Murano Tours and Tickets

No, you don't need to be on one of the many Murano tours to visit. You can always take a vaporetto (ferry) or water taxi there and explore independently. However, a tour is a much more convenient option, particularly if you want to see the islands of Burano and Torcello on the same day trip.

It depends—Murano is better to visit if you're interested in Venetian glass, and it's one of the most popular of the Venetian Islands. However, Burano is a must for photographers, with its picture-perfect colorful houses. If you don’t want to choose, keep in mind most island tours stop at both.

You’ll need around one or two hours in Murano to see the sights and get a feel for the island. Murano is not very big, making it easy to navigate on foot. Most people just come for a stroll, to see a glass-blowing demonstration or visit a glass museum, and to learn about its history.

The water taxi from Venice to Murano takes about 20 minutes each way. Water taxis are a convenient, but more expensive, way to visit the island. Travelers on a budget (or those wanting to visit multiple islands on one trip) should consider taking a vaporetto (ferry) or joining a tour led by local guides instead.

Murano is a car-free destination, so most people get around by walking. You can also take a gondola from point to point on the island, which is great if you want to relax and take in the sights. If you take a tour to Murano, expect to do some walking.

Yes, you can visit Murano and Burano in one day. Most tours from Venice to Murano stop in Burano to see the island's beautiful, multi-hued houses and to visit a lace factory. Some tours also include a stop in Torcello, a small island that's known for its lovely cathedrals.