A 2025 Day Trip Guide to Murano and Burano from Venice
If you’re visiting Venice and have a free day, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Just a short vaporetto ride away, these colorful gems of the Venetian Lagoon offer a relaxing break from the bustle of Venice while showcasing centuries-old craftsmanship, scenic canals, and pastel perfection.
How to Get to Murano and Burano in 2025
From St. Mark’s Square, catch ACTV Vaporetto Line 4.1 or 4.2 to reach Murano in about 10-15 minutes. From Murano, hop back on the vaporetto to Burano, which takes roughly 30-45 minutes depending on the line. If you’re short on time or prefer a seamless experience, consider a guided half-day tour that includes stops at both islands and often features a live glassblowing demo.
Murano is made up of many tiny islands linked by bridges just like Venice but not as busy. It’s only about a mile north of Venice and is the most famous and most visited of the small islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Murano is famous for its glassblowing and colorful houses. Glass makers were forced to move to Murano in 1291 due to the fire risk in crowded Venice. This created a central hub of glassblowing masters, Murano actually became the largest provider of glass in Europe. There are countless shops selling Murano glass beads and souvenirs of all shapes and sizes. We recommend getting off the main drag and explore some of the smaller shops that have less of a touristy feel and more of a family owned vibe. Stop by the Murano Glass Museum in the Palazzo Guistinian to learn about the history of glass making and see the gorgeous glassware they have displayed.
First Stop: Murano – The Island of Glass
Located just over a mile north of Venice, Murano is a cluster of tiny islands linked by bridges, much like Venice but without the crowds. Famous worldwide for its glassblowing heritage, Murano became the hub for glass production in 1291 when Venetian glassmakers were relocated here to reduce fire hazards in the city.
Spend a few hours exploring:
- The Murano Glass Museum in Palazzo Giustinian for a deep dive into glassmaking history.
- Authentic family-owned shops tucked away from the main drag where you can find unique glass art, beads, and home decor.
- Live glassblowing demonstrations that give you a front-row seat to this centuries-old craft.
Pro Tip: Skip the larger tourist shops and seek out studios where artisans still handcraft their pieces. It’s a better experience and often better quality.
Second Stop: Burano – The Island of Color and Lace
Just a short ride from Murano, Burano greets you with canals lined with candy-colored houses, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Italy.
Here’s what not to miss:
- The Museum and School of Lace Making, where you’ll learn about Burano’s rich lace-making tradition that dates back to the 16th century.
- Strolling the charming streets and photographing the cheerful facades.
- Sampling fresh seafood and gelato at local eateries. We walked away from the main tourist spots and found a small family restaurant that was amazing!
Don’t rush, Burano is best experienced slowly. Grab a gelato, take photos, shop for handmade lace, and soak in the laid-back vibes.
A day trip to Murano and Burano is the perfect escape when you’re craving culture, craftsmanship, and colorful scenery. Whether you’re snapping photos of Burano’s pastel homes or watching molten glass become art in Murano, these two islands will leave you enchanted!
