Here's how to visit Murano and Burano from Venice in one day

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Visiting Murano and Burano is one of my favorite ways to slow down and escape the busy streets of Venice.

I’ve done this day trip several times, and it’s always a great way to see a quieter side of the lagoon. Last time was during Carnival 2025, Venice was packed but both islands were almost empty. It was the most peaceful part of the trip!

Murano is known for glass, Burano for colorful houses and lace. If you enjoy photography like I do, I promise you, you’ll love it.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to visit both islands in one day: how to get there, what to see, and how to make it all easy.

How to visit Murano and Burano from Venice

Visit on your own using vaporetto
This is how I always do it. You’ll move around using the vaporetto (Venice’s public ferry system) and explore at your own pace with the help of my itinerary and map below. The only downside is that lines for vaporetto can be long and boats super crowded in peak season.
Join a guided tour
If you don’t feel like figuring out ferry schedules or planning your route, booking a guided tour might be the easiest choice. Most tours include a local guide and boat transport so you won’t have to wait in line for the vaporetto.

If a guided tour sounds like your style, I recommend this one. You can choose between a private tour or a shared group option. Both include a local guide, a glassblowing demo in Murano and a lacemaking one in Burano, and private boat transport.

Book the best guided tour

An older couple walks side by side along a canal in Murano, passing colorful buildings and moored boats in the quiet morning light. — Murano

One day Murano and Burano itinerary

Here’s exactly how to plan your day: start in Murano, then head to Burano after lunch. It’s an easy route, and you’ll find all the main stops on the map below 👇

Murano

Your day starts with Murano, and you’ll want to leave early to make the most of it, especially in high season if you want the island more to yourself! It’s small, easy to explore, and the perfect first stop before heading to Burano.

How to get to Murano

Use Google Maps to plan your route. It’s accurate and will show you the right vaporetto line based on where you’re staying. Most boats leave from Fondamenta Nove, but it might vary depending on your hotel.

The ride takes about 15 minutes. You can get off at either Murano Faro A or Murano Colonna C. Both are fine, but I personally prefer Murano Faro A. It’s a nice spot to start your walk!

Tickets

Get the 24-hour ACTV pass for 25€.
A single ride is €9.50 (valid for 75 minutes), and today you’ll be taking three boats: Venice → Murano, Murano → Burano, Burano → Venice. The 24-hour ticket is €25 and totally worth it. You can buy it at the ticket booths or online here.

What to do in Murano

1. Take a stroll and get lost

Murano is small and peaceful, perfect for slowing down. One of my favorite things to do here is just walk, grab a coffee or a spritz, and enjoy the calm. You don’t need a plan!

Some lovely spots to pass through: Rio dei Vetrai, Campo Santo Stefano, Riva Longa, and the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato.

A vibrant red and pink house with a wooden staircase in front, tucked away on the island of Murano

Front view of a weathered historic church facade in Murano, featuring a marble entrance with two arched windows, a wooden door, and angel statues flanking a small cross on the roof. The surrounding terracotta walls and shuttered windows highlight the aged, rustic charm of the island’s architecture.

2. Watch a glassblowing demo and visit a showroom

Murano is famous around the world for its glassmaking tradition, and seeing how it’s done is something you really shouldn’t skip!

Many workshops organize demos during the day, where you’ll see how Murano glass is made.

There are two main techniques: blown glass (vetro soffiato) and solid sculpted glass. During the demo, you’ll usually see both. Last time, we watched them make a small blown vase and then a horse in solid glass.

I first visited as a kid and was completely fascinated. A few months ago, I went back with my boyfriend—he had never been, and he was just as amazed! It’s one of those things that really works for all ages.

Yes, it ends in a shop so you might feel like it’s a tourist trap. But most places charge €5–10 as store credit, and the experience is really worth it. We left with a tiny glass duck that still makes me laugh 😂

Just be careful when shopping: not all glass sold in Murano is actually made there. Look for the certificate of authenticity and read this to understand how to recognize real Murano glass.

Book your glassmaking demo here!

This is the exact demo we did last time and we loved it. It costs €10 per person, and you get that amount back as store credit in the shop. So if you pick up a small souvenir (like our famous little glass duck 😂), it basically pays for itself!

Book the guided tour

A glassblower in Murano shapes molten glass at the end of a long pipe inside a traditional workshop. The dimly lit studio features industrial equipment and colorful stained-glass windows that add a pop of light behind the artisan.

A delicate glass horse sculpture on display in Murano, showcasing the island’s world-renowned craftsmanship

3. Optional: Venice glass museum (Museo del vetro)

If you’re curious about the history of glassmaking in Murano, this museum is worth a quick visit. It’s small, not crowded, and easy to explore. Tickets are €10 and you can get them here.
If you’re short on time, I actually recommend skipping it. The demonstration is waaaay more interesting!

Laundry hanging out to dry between colorful buildings in Murano, capturing the everyday charm that adds to the answer: is Venice worth visiting?

Burano

After visiting Murano, it’s time to head to Burano, the most colorful stop of the day.

How to get to Burano

Take vaporetto line 12 from Murano Faro to Burano C. The ride takes about 35 minutes. As always, check Google Maps to find the best departure time.

Bright red, yellow, and green houses line a canal in Burano, with a classic Venetian osteria tucked among them

What to do in Burano

1. Wander and take photos of the colorful houses

Just like in Murano, the best thing to do here is walk without a plan. The colorful houses (probably the reason you’re coming) are everywhere!

According to tradition, fishermen painted them in bright colors so they could spot them through the thick lagoon fog. The result is a rainbow village that’s a dream for photography.

The main street is Via Baldassarre Galuppi, where you’ll find restaurants and shops. But the real charm is in the quiet alleys nearby. I love this spot and this one, but really, anywhere you look is basically an instagram opportunity!

I have been here many times and shot so many photos I love.

Brightly colored houses in Burano lining a narrow canal, with boats docked along the edge

2. Shop for handmade lace

If Murano is all about glass, Burano is all about lace. It’s an ancient craft, dating back to the late 1400s, and was passed down from generation to generation. Women created lace without a loom, using just a needle and thread on paper. Some pieces can take weeks or even months to complete.

These days, actually many shops sell machine-made lace. If you’re interested in the real thing, ask the shopkeeper or look for pieces labeled as handmade.

3. Optional: Lace museum (museo del merletto)

If you want to learn more about the lace tradition, you can visit the small lace museum. Tickets cost €5. It’s not essential, but it’s a nice stop if you have time or love artisan crafts.

Two women walk past a row of colorful houses in Burano, Italy, with a mint-green building front and bright red awning. The scene is framed by shuttered windows, delicate balcony railings, and canal-side pavement, capturing the island’s signature bold palette and relaxed pace.

Charming canal-side buildings in Burano, Italy, featuring a mix of exposed brick and golden yellow facades with arched windows, green shutters, and flower boxes. A pair of small boats are docked in the calm canal below, adding to the island’s picturesque and lived-in feel.

How to get back to Venice

Take vaporetto line 12 from Burano C to Fondamente Nove (or Check Google Maps to see which stop is closest to your hotel or apartment). The ride takes about 45 minutes.

FAQs

Is it worth visiting Murano and Burano?

Yes, 100%. Visiting Murano and Burano is one of the best things you can do while in Venice. They’re small, full of character, and give you a more authentic feel of the lagoon. If you’re visiting during high season, they’re also much quieter than the city center. And if you love photography, you’ll be in heaven.

Which should I visit first: Murano or Burano?

I recommend starting with Murano. Glassblowing demos are often easier to catch in the morning or early afternoon, and Burano is especially beautiful later in the day. The softer afternoon light makes the colorful houses even more vibrant, and it’s a lovely place to slow down before heading back to Venice.

How much time should I spend on each island?

I recommend spending around two to three hours on each island, plus extra time for lunch wherever you prefer. You could rush through in an hour or so per island, but it’s really not worth it. These places are all about slowing down and soaking in the atmosphere.

Do I need tickets in advance?

You don’t need tickets for the islands, but I recommend booking a glassblowing demo ahead of time if possible. It’s not essential, but showing up without a reservation can mean a long wait. Last time we had to wait over an hour, which isn’t ideal if you’re short on time.

How much is the vaporetto to Murano and Burano?

Each ride costs €9.50, but if you’re visiting both islands in one day, it’s better to get the 24-hour vaporetto pass for €25. You’ll end up saving money and won’t have to worry about buying separate tickets for each leg of the trip.

Three elegantly dressed older ladies in fur coats chat by the water’s edge in Murano — Murano

More tips to help you plan your trip to Venice

Now you know how to organize the perfect day trip to Murano and Burano from Venice. It’s a really nice addition to your Venice trip, especially if you need to relax for a bit if you’re travelling during peak season like Carnival or summer ☺️

If you’re spending more time in the city, here are a few helpful guides to check out next:

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