Top Things to See and Do in Murano, Italy

This video explains how easy it is to get to Murano directly from the airport. Easy, right?

Once you’re on the island, you don’t have to worry about transportation.

Murano is just over one square kilometer, and it’s made up of seven small islands connected by bridges.

It’s a super walkable place, and you can easily spend the day wandering the streets and exploring everything Murano offers. Your feet will get a workout, but it’s all part of the adventure.

Things to Do in Murano, Italy

Let’s get this out of the way. Murano is famous for one thing above all: its glass.

It’s not just any glass either; it’s the real deal.

Dating back to 1295, when all the glass factories were moved from Venice to Murano, centuries-old techniques passed down through generations can still be seen today.

These days, you can walk into a workshop and see artisans create stunning glass pieces right before you. It’s almost hypnotic watching them work.

I highly recommend visiting Ferro Toso. This small workshop, tucked into a beautiful breezeway just off the Murano Colonna Vaporetto stop, lets you create your own unique Murano glass souvenirs.

For one low price, around 15 Euro when I visited, you can spend an hour sitting on the outdoor patio making earrings, magnets, key rings, or pendants. Once you’ve finished, your masterpiece will be fired and ready for you to take home.

While you wait, go behind the scenes to learn about the unique process used and see a master at work. The entire family will love this one-of-a-kind experience.

Make sure to book your workshop in advance online.

Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or just admiring the skill it takes to blow glass into all kinds of intricate shapes, you’ll find yourself in awe. It’s no wonder the glass stores outnumber the cafes in Murano.

I left with some beautiful Murano glass pieces for my home, and I have no regrets.

Things to See in Murano

While glassblowing is the main event, there are plenty more things to do in Murano. Here are my favorite spots:

The Glass Factories and Shops

Murano is a shopper’s dream if you love glass art.

There are more glass shops than cafes on this little island; honestly, I loved every minute.

You can browse workshop after workshop, admiring beautiful vases, chandeliers, and jewelry.

You will see beautiful glass pieces in almost every business, restaurant, and store on the island.

Not all glass is created equal, though. To ensure you’re buying authentic Murano glass, look for shops that offer certificates of authenticity.

The Murano Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro)

If you want to dive a little deeper into Murano’s history of glassmaking, the Murano Glass Museum is the place to be.

The museum is located in a former palace and showcases the evolution of Murano glass from the 14th century to today. It’s not a huge museum, but it’s packed with incredible pieces that will give you a genuine appreciation for the skill involved in glassmaking.

It’s like a crash course in glass art history.

Murano Faro Lighthouse

This one’s for the lighthouse lovers.

Faro Lighthouse is a striking lighthouse that stands tall on the island’s edge. While you can’t go inside, it’s worth checking out for the views.

The lighthouse makes for some great photos, especially with the backdrop of the water.

Murano’s Churches

Murano may be tiny, but it has some beautiful churches. The island has three churches, the most famous of which is the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato.

This basilica dates back to the 7th century and is known for its stunning mosaic floor. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the beauty of this place. It’s a quiet, peaceful spot to take a break from all the shopping and sightseeing.

Where to Eat and Drink in Murano

Murano may be small, but it’s got some fantastic food options. Just keep in mind that many of the restaurants here serve primarily seafood, which makes sense since we’re surrounded by water.

Here’s where I recommend grabbing a bite:

Ristorante La Fornace

Where to Stay in Murano

Speaking of the Hyatt Centric Murano, this hotel is a fantastic choice for overnight stays. It is right on the water, and the rooms are modern, comfortable, and surprisingly affordable for the area.

You will also find some luxuries here, like air conditioning, elevators, and ice. If you’ve ever been to Europe, you know how rare these things can be.

I love how peaceful the hotel is, especially compared to Venice. It’s also just steps away from the Vaporetto stop, so getting to and from Venice couldn’t have been easier.

I highly recommend it!

Murano vs. Venice

If you’re debating whether to stay in Venice or Murano, here’s my two cents: Murano is an excellent alternative to staying in Venice itself.

Not only is it quieter, especially at night, but it’s also more affordable. The hotels, restaurants, and shops tend to be cheaper than in Venice, so if you’re traveling on a budget, Murano is a smart choice.

And don’t worry about missing out on Venice. Murano is so close that you can easily hop over on the Vaporetto whenever you want.

You get all the perks of visiting Venice without dealing with the crowds 24/7. Win-win.

Is Murano Worth Visiting?

Is Murano worth visiting? Absolutely!

If you’re even remotely interested in seeing how glass is made, Murano is a must.

The glass factory and live glass blowing demonstrations alone are worth the trip. You get to see true craftsmanship up close, and it’s honestly mesmerizing.

Plus, the island is small and super walkable so you can cover a lot in half a day.

I suggest stopping at nearby Burano first, which is famous for its colorful houses and beautiful lace-making. Then, end your day at Murano.

It’s like a two-for-one deal!