Murano and Burano make for one of the most popular day trips from Venice. Each island has its own distinct appeal: Murano is known for its glassmaking, while Burano draws in visitors with its rainbow-colored houses and intricate lace.
I only recommend doing this day trip if you have a minimum of 3 days in Venice; otherwise, you’ll want to save it for another time, as there is a lot to do in Venice alone.
Both islands can be easily explored in half a day, whether on a self-guided tour or with a guide. In this itinerary, I’ll walk you through visiting these islands on your own, including transportation tips, things to do, and the best places to eat. For those interested in a guided experience, I’ve also included tour options at the end.
Read on to discover how to make the most of a day trip to Murano and Burano from Venice.
Murano
Start off your day trip on the island of Murano, famous for its historic glassmaking. It’s only a 10-20 minute ride from Venice, and you’ll want to plan on spending about 1.5 to 2 hours here.
You might wonder why we’re starting in Murano instead of Burano. Technically, you could visit either island first, but I’ve planned this itinerary with lunch in mind—because, yes, I tend to plan my travels around food!
Burano has a couple of fantastic restaurants, so visiting Murano first will set you up to arrive in Burano just in time for a delicious lunch.
How to get to Murano from Venice
The quickest way to reach Murano from Venice is via the “Fondamente Nove” vaporetto stop, about a 20-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square.
From there, it’s just a 10-minute ferry ride to Murano. You can take vaporetto lines 4.1 or 4.2 to the “Murano Colonna” stop, or line 12 to “Murano Faro.” We opted for line 12 because the timing fit our schedule, but any of these routes will get you there.
I recommend purchasing an ACTV day pass for your day trip. The pass offers unlimited rides on all vaporetto lines within Venice and to the islands, costing €25 per person.
Without it, a single ride is €9.50 and only valid for 75 minutes. You can buy the day pass at the Fondamente Nove station from ticket machines or at one of the ticket booths.
Things to do in Murano
Shop for Murano Glass
One of the best reasons to visit Murano is to shop for glass directly from the artisans who make it. Even if you’re not planning to buy, wandering the streets of Murano feels like exploring a museum. Nearly every shop window is filled with vibrant glassware, intricate glass jewelry, and stunning chandeliers.
The main streets for glass shopping are Fondamenta Manin, Fondamenta dei Vetrai, and Calle Bressagio, where you’ll find a wide range of styles and prices. Here are a few standout shops I recommend:
Tips for buying authentic Murano glass: Unfortunately, some shops in Murano sell glass that isn’t authentically made on the island. To ensure you’re buying genuine Murano glass, there are a couple of things to look for.
First, check for a certification sticker that says “Made in Murano” or something similar. You can also ask the shop owner for a certificate of authenticity, which often includes details about the artisan and where the piece was made on the island.
I am no expert on this, so for more detailed guidance, you may want to check out this article.
Watch a glass blowing demonstration
As you explore Murano, you’ll find artisans crafting glass pieces right in their shop windows—a fascinating process to watch! Some studios offer glassblowing demonstrations where, for a small fee or a purchase, you can sit and watch the artisans create intricate glass pieces.
Gino Mazzuccato is one company that offers these demonstrations, along with several other workshops around the island.
You can also book a workshop ahead of time. Here are a couple suggestions:
Museo del Vetro
The Glass Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of glassmaking and celebrating the extraordinary craftsmanship of Murano’s artisans. Glass pieces from various time periods are on display, showcasing unique styles and techniques developed over the centuries.
I especially enjoyed learning about the millefiori technique, where glass rods are fused to create intricate patterns. The floral motif, one of the most popular designs, is my personal favorite!
The museum is open every day from:
- April 1st to October 31st from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
- November 1st to March 31st from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 pm)
Tickets cost €10 per person. For more information, visit the official website. This is included in the Venice Museum Pass.
READ ALSO: 16 Best Museums in Venice
Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato
Dating back to the 7th century, the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato is one of Murano’s most historic sites. The basilica’s interior has stunning Byzantine mosaic floors, making it worth a quick stop. There is a small fee to enter.
Food options in Murano
If you’re looking for a quick bite in Murano, Il Bocconcino is a great spot for paninis and sandwiches.
Burano
Burano is a picturesque island famous for its colorful houses and lace making traditions. The island is quite small, so it doesn’t take much time to see it all.
If you’re planning to have lunch here, expect to spend 2-3 hours in Burano. Without a meal stop, 1-2 hours is plenty of time.
How to get from Murano to Burano
To reach Burano from Murano, hop on vaporetto line 12 at the “Murano Faro” stop and ride it to “Burano C.” The ride takes about 35 minutes.
Things to do in Burano
Wander around the island
Burano is irresistibly charming, with every building, shop, corner, and canal looking like it’s straight out of a postcard. Take your time exploring and snapping photos—the island is small enough to walk around entirely.
There are a couple of main shopping streets, where you’ll find most of the lace stores and some restaurants. Otherwise, Burano is pretty quiet and residential.
Venture down quieter canals and cross the small bridges to explore the less-touristy side of the island.
Shop for Lace
Burano is renowned for its intricate, handmade lace. As you explore the island, you’ll find many shops selling lace made by local artisans. Take time to walk into a couple of these shops to admire these beautiful, delicate pieces up close.
- Dalla Lidia Merletti D’Arte – This is one of the best places to shop for lace in Burano. Ask the shop workers to tell you more about the history and techniques. They have a fantastic selection of both vintage and modern pieces for sale.
- Emilia – A lovely store with beautiful linens, pajamas, and clothing decorated with lace.
Museo del Merletto
The Lace Museum is a small museum dedicated to the history of lace making in Burano. Inside, you’ll find several informational videos that explain the process, along with displays of historic pieces in carefully curated cabinets.
You only need 30 minutes to visit this museum, and in my opinion, it’s not a necessary stop on this itinerary.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 pm (last entry at 3:30 PM). Tickets cost €5 per person. This is included in the Venice museum pass.
Lunch in Burano
For lunch in Burano, I highly recommend a couple of fantastic local restaurants.
- Trattoria da Romano – Known for its delicious risotto and fresh seafood.
- Trattoria Al Gatto Nero – A family-run institution offering traditional Venetian cuisine and wonderful seafood dishes.
During peak season (June to September), reservations are essential – sometimes as far as a month in advance, as both places are popular and fill up quickly. Call ahead or email to reserve.
Burano to Venice
To return to Venice, take vaporetto line 12 from “Burano C” to “Fondamente Nove.” The ride takes about 40-45 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take line 14 from “Burano C” to “San Marco-San Zaccaria,” which brings you closer to St. Mark’s Square; this route takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.
READ ALSO: 25 Best Things to do in Venice
Tours from Venice to Murano and Burano
Taking a guided tour to Murano and Burano from Venice is a great option if you’re looking for a more structured experience without the hassle of navigating public transportation yourself.
Most tours provide a private boat, which means you avoid the crowded vaporettos and get to enjoy a more comfortable ride.
Your guide will share fascinating insights into the history of each of these islands, and you’ll also have access to a glassblowing demonstration, where you can watch the artisans work up close.
Tips for your day trip to Murano and Burano
- Start Early: Depart Venice by 9:00 AM to make the most of your day. Leaving earlier helps you beat the crowds (and summer heat) and gives you plenty of time to enjoy Venice in the afternoon when you return.
- Pack a Water Bottle: Especially in summer, bring your own water. It can get hot and humid, particularly on the vaporetto.
- Plan for Crowds in Peak Season: If you’re visiting in June, July, August, or early September, expect large crowds. These months can be particularly busy, with packed boats and intense heat. Sitting on a crowded boat for 45 minutes can be uncomfortable, so plan accordingly.
- Buy a Vaporetto Day Pass: The day pass is the most affordable option for unlimited travel and saves you from standing in line for tickets each time you board.
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