If you think you’ve explored Venice from top to bottom and don’t know what to do next, make sure to visit the two enchanting neighboring islands of Murano and Burano. Where should you go in the homeland of the world-famous Murano glass and the slightly less famous but still benchmark Burano lace? We’ve put together an itinerary highlighting the must-visit spots!
If you’re interested in a guided tour of these two islands, we’ve found the perfect option for you. You can purchase a budget-friendly combo ticket for the museums mentioned below below here!
» READ MORE – Venice in 1 Day: Itinerary
How to Get There?
There are no airports or bus stations on the islands themselves. The only way to reach Murano or Burano is by vaporetto, Venice’s ubiquitous water transport.
You can depart from any pier near you – for example, from Piazza San Marco, where direct ferries leave every half hour. The journey takes no more than 30 minutes.
- Vaporetto tickets are relatively affordable, usually costing around €10.
- If you already have The Venice Pass or are planning to buy one, it will save you from transportation worries.
Be careful and make sure you’re at the correct pier! It’s easy to board the wrong ferry and end up on a sparsely populated island after dark. Speaking from the author’s own experience.
Murano Island
It’s impossible to talk about Murano without mentioning its renowned glass production. This is precisely why tourists visit! The locals know their island’s main attraction, so you’ll find souvenir shops overflowing with glassware at every turn. Every storefront is like a small museum, and resisting the temptation to splurge is no easy feat.
Museum of Glass
If you want to do more than just admire the glassware and instead learn about the history of glassblowing, the Museum of Glass welcomes you with open doors.
Murano: entrance ticket to the glass museumIn the late 19th century, Italian priest and historian Vincenzo Zanetti gathered various historical artifacts into one archive and founded the museum.
The exhibition is arranged chronologically – from ancient Roman glassware to the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and beyond. Walking through the halls, you can trace the development of glassmaking over seven centuries and see world-famous masterpieces with your own eyes.
Santa Maria e Donato Cathedral
Just a short walk from the Glass Museum, turn left at the exit and follow the promenade to one of Murano’s most significant historical churches. The Cathedral of Santa Maria e Donato, as its name suggests, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Before stepping inside, take a moment to admire its beautiful brick façade.
The cathedral’s mosaic floor is its most prized feature – ornate floral patterns and mythical creatures make it a true masterpiece.
Entrance is free!
Glassblowing Workshops
A trip to Murano wouldn’t be complete without visiting a glassblowing workshop.
Seeing the finished pieces is one thing, but watching a shapeless lump of sand and metal transform into a delicate work of art before your eyes is something else entirely. Skilled artisans will answer your questions and share insights into their craft.
But don’t expect to uncover the deepest trade secrets! Glassmaking techniques are guarded fiercely – so much so that hereditary glassblowers were once discouraged from leaving the city!
To visit a workshop, you’ll need to book a spot on the factory’s website. To avoid getting lost in the labyrinth of Italian websites, consider joining a guided tour — you might even get a chance to create your own glass souvenir!
Before heading to Burano, it’s a good idea to grab a bite. Tourists rave about Angelo Del Mistro’s creamy gelato. For something more substantial, the cozy trattoria Panificio Pasticceria Garbo on Fondamenta dei Vetrai serves freshly caught seafood and traditional Italian dishes.
» READ MORE – What to Bring from Venice
Burano Island
Getting to Burano is just as easy – you’ll take another vaporetto, and the trip between the islands takes about 30 minutes.
While Murano is famous for glass, Burano is the birthplace of lace. For centuries, Burano’s men worked as fishermen while the women wove nets. Over time, this craft evolved from necessity to artistry, transforming simple fishing nets into intricate lace designs that now decorate the island’s charming homes.
And the word «colorful» is no exaggeration! In addition to lace, Burano is known for its vibrant, candy-colored houses – pink, blue, canary yellow – all competing for attention year-round. In spring and summer, the island quite literally blooms, with potted plants flourishing on every windowsill. And, of course, Italians being Italians, you’ll often see laundry casually swaying in the breeze between homes.
Lace Museum
Just like in Murano, the best way to start exploring Burano is with a museum visit. Head to the Lace Museum as soon as you arrive, as it closes at 18:00. Tickets are affordable, with discounts for seniors and children.
Burano: entrance ticket to the lace museumHoused in a historic building next to the town hall, this museum was once a prestigious lace school. The exhibits showcase the complete history of Venetian lace, from its origins to the present day.
During museum hours, you can not only admire the collections but also watch skilled artisans at work.
And you won’t even need to visit a separate factory – just be warned, the lace-making process is mesmerizing, and you might lose track of time.
San Martino Church
Burano’s main cathedral is known not for its interior splendor but for its old, modest-looking bell tower – a budget-friendly version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Due to shifting soil, the tower has dramatically tilted and now stands at a precarious angle.
Most tourists first notice the bell tower before taking in the marble columns and decorated altar inside. Despite its simplicity, the church itself is well worth a visit.
You can’t leave Burano without trying its famous bussolà buranello cookies. They’re crisp yet melt in your mouth! Panificio Pasticceria Garbo on San Mauro promenade is a treasure trove of these delicious treats. The friendly owner will gladly serve you a cup of coffee to go with them.
Murano and Burano are magical islands that always welcome new visitors with open arms. A trip to these two charming corners of the Venetian Lagoon will add a memorable touch to your Venetian adventure.
» READ MORE – Piazza San Marco in Venice
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