Visiting Murano and Burano in One Day: The Ultimate Guide

Murano and Burano are two of the most popular day trip destinations on a trip to Venice. Figuring out how to plan a day trip and if it’s worth it isn’t straightforward. I was attracted to Murano for the beautiful glass and Burano for the bright buildings. I didn’t visit the islands until my 3rd trip to Venice. But, I shouldn’t have waited so long before visiting Murano and Burano. Both islands were fun to explore!

Make sure visiting Murano and Burano is a day trip that’s on your list while you’re in Venice!

This post will tell you why visiting Murano and Burano should be on your list, how to do it, what to see, and more!

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Why Murano AND Burano?

I’m a firm believer that you should analyze your trip to-do list and make sure you aren’t running from place to place all day. This is one of the only times I’ll make an exception. Get up early and have a long day because visiting Murano and Burano should be on your list.

Murano

Murano is most well known as the home of Murano Glass. But, the little island has a history that dates back to the Romans. In medieval times Venice built itself up as the city of pleasure and excess. Some of that was extravagant and artistic glasswork. In 1291 the leadership in Venice decided to move all of the glass-making factories to Murano. They were worried the fires used to blow glass would cause a fire that burned the entire city.

The artists were able to keep their techniques a secret for several centuries. This was in part because it was all on an island. It was also because glassmakers weren’t allowed to leave the island.

Today many of the glass techniques have been shared but Murano glass is still unique and special.

Burano

Burano is a small fishing village. I was most excited about the brightly painted buildings throughout the island.

The story is that the fishermen were afraid they wouldn’t be able to find their home in the dense fog that could come over the Venetian lagoon. So, they painted the houses bright colors to find their way home. Now, the tradition continues. It makes a beautiful backdrop for exploring.

Burano is also known for lace. Lace is handmade on the island. Try to find a local shop to watch the lace being made. It is hand-stitched into intricate patterns and the tedious practice is impressive to watch. I found that most of the lace makers were older women, sitting in rocking chairs, knitting intricate patterns with tiny needles.

I thought Burano would be a similar feel to Murano so I wasn’t sold on visiting both. I’m so glad we did. They are similar but also very different. Experiencing the unique personalities of the islands makes for a great day trip.

Is Visiting Murano and Burano in a day a good idea?

Yes! Visiting Murano and Burano in a day is no problem.

I traveled with family and we took our time window shopping and had no problem seeing both islands!

Planning your Day

In a lot of Italy, trains are the best way to get around. But, in Venice, the best way to make this day trip happen is by taking the vaporettos. A vaporetto is a ferry that works in Venice as public buses do in other cities. Tickets for vaporettos can be expensive so it’s a good idea to buy a daily pass.

You can buy your pass from one of the yellow ticket machines or online. You want a Venice Daily Pass. It will cost €26. This is cheaper and easier than buying 3 separate vaporetto tickets.

Plan to start your day as early as you’re comfortable. The more time you have to visit the better. You’ll want a solid 8 hours minimum but the more time you have the better.

By Tour

If you want to visit Murano and Burano but the details stress you out consider taking a tour.

You can tour Murano and Burano or add on a trip to Torcello.

Getting to Murano on Your Own

Take the vaporetto from Venice to Murano. The vaporetto you take and the time it leaves will depend on your location on the island. If you haven’t bought your ticket yet be sure to give some extra time to use the machines. It’s likely a transit employee will be nearby to help you buy your card and find your stop. The machines have an English language option to make it easier.

If you’re paying with a credit card have it loaded into your mobile payment system. Europe uses a chip-and-pin system and this gets you around an otherwise impossible system.

Use your maps app on your phone to know which vaporetto you need as well as when and where to find it.

From Near the Sta. Lucia

If you’re staying near the train station you can catch the 3-line vaporetto from the Piazzale Roma stop. P.le Roma D is where this one picks up. There will likely be a line of other tourists but the vaporetto staff will help make sure you’re in the right place if you ask.

Expect a 30-minute ride. I recommend the Murano Colonna stop. You could keep going up to the Faro (lighthouse) if you want but you’ll do that later in the day. The Colonna stop allows you to walk along the canal and shop, or window shop, for glass.

The 4.1 and 4.2 vaporettos can also get you there but take 45 minutes.

From St Mark’s Square

From the St Mark’s square area walk to the Ospedale or F.te Nove “B” stops to take the 4.1 or 4.2 vaporettos respectively. The B line also leaves from Ospedale.

This is like a 15-minute walk but add a buffer so you don’t miss the ferry.

Expect a 20-minute ferry ride.

Again, I recommend the Murano Colonna stop to walk along the canal and shops.

What to see in Murano

Murano is known for blown glass and seafood. Exploring and seeing the artistry is so fun!

Glass Blowing Demonstration

If you make your way out to Murano you need to see a glass-blowing demonstration. I’d seen it on TV but it was even better in person. If you get off of the vaporetto at the Colonna stop turn left and find a glass-blowing factory a short walk away.

I wasn’t sure it was the best glass-blowing scenario since a man was directing us there as soon as we got off the boat. But, I wasn’t picky about where we went. I just wanted to see someone blow glass and feel the heat of a glory hole. Turns out that visiting Xe Vero was an excellent experience! It was €5

There are so many options for glass blowing. Some of the rooms include it with a purchase or give you the cost of admission as a discount on a purchase.

If you’re very into glassblowing reach out to a studio you love before your trip to see if you can get in to watch.

Shop for Murano Glass

The Colonna vaporetto stop puts you at one end of the Rio dei Vetrai in Murano. Glass shops and galleries line the small canal. Take your time walking through the streets and looking at products. You can buy anything from knickknacks to jewelry to glasses to chandeliers!

Make sure you check the origins of the glass you purchase. Not all glass in Murano was made in Murano. I found an incredible family-run shop along the Rio dei Vetrai. The mother and father run the shop and their daughter makes some of the pieces too. I purchased a really beautiful emerald green glass necklace. They were the sweetest! We also enjoyed Just Murano Glass and got to meet some of the artists in the cooperative.

Find a shop you love and support some local artists!

See the Clock Tower

The Torre dell’Orologio is in the Campo Santo Stefano. This is the main square in Murano. The clock tower is from the 19th century. You can’t go up in it so the best photos are from across the water. There used to be a blue glass comet sculpture at the base. As of 2022, it isn’t there anymore so don’t be surprised when you don’t see it.

Walk Across the Ponte Longo Lino Toffolo

There are several small bridges across the Rio dei Vetrai but continue walking up the smaller canal until you reach the Ponte Longo Lino. This bridge crosses the Grand Canal on Murano and gives you spectacular views on each side.

Visit the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato

The basilica is one of the oldest churches in the Venetian lagoon. It dates back to the 7th century. The exterior of the church is beautiful but was under restoration in October 2022 so it was covered. The interior of the church boasts a beautiful Byzantine mosaic. I also appreciated that walking to the church allows you to explore a different part of the island. The area around it is more residential and less tourist glass shop central, which is nice.

If you don’t have time to get up to the basilica your trip won’t suffer for it.

See the Lighthouse

The lighthouse is very close to the vaporetto station you’ll take to go to Burano. The lighthouse is pretty and is still in use. It’s not a long walk and Calle Bressagio is one of my favorite streets in Murano.

Food in Murano

Murano is known for fresh seafood! Most of the menus will include fresh fish but you can also find pasta with tomato sauce. Ai Vetrai is along the water with outdoor seating. I was able to get some gluten-free friendly grilled prawns. My travel partners had spaghetti.

Getting to Burano

First, make sure you do everything you want to do in Murano before boarding your vaporetto to leave since you likely won’t be coming back.

The vaporetto that takes you from Murano to Burano is the 12 line that leaves from a dock near the lighthouse. If you’ve purchased the day pass head straight to the “Embarcadère Burano”. There will likely be a line of tourists waiting to get on the same ferry.

The ride will take about 30 minutes. Burano C is your stop.

What to see in Burano

Burano is smaller than Murano and is easy to walk around without worrying about getting lost. Don’t be afraid to wander down enticing streets. Most of the fun of Burano is in exploring the colorful streets.

Take Photos of Colorful Buildings

You’ll notice the beautifully painted buildings as soon as you get off the ferry in Burano. The island is full of them. Find some of your favorite colors and take pictures of (or with) them!

The colors reflect in the water of the canal in the late afternoon making for incredible photos. The residents hide their doorways with sheets or fabric that complement the color of the house. It’s a fun environment!

Window shop as you walk along and don’t be afraid to veer off if you see something beautiful!

Shop for Handmade Lace

Burano is known for handmade lace. You’ll see dresses, blouses, tablecloths, scarves, umbrellas, and so much more made from lace. Make sure to check the origin of what you purchase. If you purchase lace on the island you want it to be from local artisans.

Walk down Via Baldassarre Galuppi to Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi

This street is lined with shops and restaurants making it a great place for a snack or a meal.

The Piazza is a large square with a chapel and The Museum of Lace. I didn’t think the museum of lace was a must but if you’re interested in learning more about the production of lace you should visit!

There is a family-owned lace shop on the corner of the piazza. Many of the projects are so stunning I couldn’t believe we were able to look at them. I purchased a scarf.

Getting Back to Venice

The Vaporetto to get back to Venice leaves from the same place you arrived. They run regularly but not frequently. Check the timetable before you leave the dock on arrival to know when you need to be back. It wouldn’t be fun to waste time on the island because you missed your ride by 5 minutes.

Again, if you purchase the day pass you don’t have to worry about buying your ticket.

The 14-line will take about 80 minutes to get to St. Mark’s Square.

The 12-line will take about an hour to get back to F.te Nove.

To get to the Ple. Roma near the train station you’d need to take the 12-line to Murano Faro or Murano Colonna and then switch to the 3-line to get to Ple Roma. This will take you 80 minutes.

I found it easiest to take the 14-line. It was fun to see Lido Island. This barrier island protects the lagoon. It was faster to walk to our accommodation from St. Mark’s than it was to wait to take the 12-to-3-line option. No matter what, it’s a long trip back. Plan snacks and dinner accordingly.

If You Have Time After Visiting Murano and Burano

If you still have time consider going out to Torcello. It’s the 3rd island in the trio and is older than Venice. It’s less touristy than Murano and Burano since it isn’t always on the day trip route. The church and bell tower are popular here. There is also a stone chair known as Attila’s Throne. It’s believed to be the throne of Atilla the Hun.

For a different day trip option, Verona and Vicenza is a great pick!

Enjoy Visiting Murano and Burano

No matter how you do it, Murano and Burano are an excellent addition to your time in Venice. You can spend all day wandering around the islands and you won’t regret it!

Let me know what you loved after your visit!