Things to Do in Murano: Glass, Museum, Basilica and How to Get There (2026)

The top things to do in Murano all come back to glass. You can watch a master at the furnace, see centuries of work in the Glass Museum and take a piece home. However, the island also has a quiet medieval church and canals with far fewer crowds than central Venice. This guide explains what to see, how to buy real Murano glass and how to fit the island into your trip.

Last updated: September 26, 2026

Things to do in Murano at a glance

A short history of Murano glass

Murano sits just north of Venice, and it has been the city’s glassmaking island for over seven centuries. In 1291, the Venetian Republic moved the furnaces here, partly to protect the wooden city from fire. As a result, the island became a closed world of craft secrets. In fact, glassmakers enjoyed privileges but, for a long time, could not freely leave with their skills.

Over the centuries, Murano masters developed cristallo, a clear glass, as well as murrine, glass slices with patterns inside, and elaborate chandeliers. Today, in fact, historic firms still work alongside small studios and independent artists.

Watch a glassblowing demonstration

This is the first of the things to do in Murano for most visitors. Several furnaces open to the public for short demonstrations, where a master shapes a vase or a horse from molten glass in a few minutes. Afterward, you usually pass through a showroom.

Be aware of one common pattern, though. Near the main stops, touts sometimes offer “free” boat rides or visits that end in a sales pitch. So choose a furnace yourself, and never feel obliged to buy. Also, go early, before the tour groups arrive.

Visit the Glass Museum

For context, the Museo del Vetro is essential. According to the official museum site, the museum has occupied the ancient residence of the bishops of Torcello since 1861. Its collection spans more than four thousand years of glass (checked September 2026). Then the displays trace the long history of Murano glassmaking itself.

In addition, it belongs to the Venice civic museums network (MUVE). Hours and tickets change by season, so check the official site before you go. Allow about an hour.

See the Basilica of Santi Maria e Donato

Next, a short walk from the museum, this Romanesque church is the island’s quiet treasure. Above all, look down: the floor is a 12th-century mosaic of marble and glass, with geometric patterns and animals. Behind the altar, according to tradition, hang bones said to belong to the dragon slain by Saint Donatus. Also, the gold mosaic of the Virgin in the apse is worth a pause.

How to buy real Murano glass

In fact, cheap imported glass is a real problem in Venice, so shop with care. The Veneto Region created the Vetro Artistico® Murano trademark by law in 1994. According to the Consorzio Promovetro, which manages it, genuine pieces carry an anti-counterfeit sticker with the logo (checked September 2026). In addition, since 2016 each sticker has a serial number and a datamatrix code you can check online.

• Ask where it was made: a real maker can tell you which furnace produced the piece.
• Check the label: look for the official trademark sticker, not just a “Made in Murano” sign.
• Ask for paperwork: for larger pieces, request an invoice and, if relevant, shipping terms in writing.
• Compare: prices vary widely, so visit a few shops before you choose.

How to get to Murano

Murano is part of the city of Venice, and ACTV vaporetto lines link it with the historic center. Many visitors board at Fondamente Nove, on the north side of Cannaregio, which faces the island across the water. However, lines and routes change by season, so check the official ACTV timetables (checked September 2026).

As for the Venice access fee, the city’s official FAQ states that people going only to the minor islands, such as Murano, neither pay nor need an exemption. Also, the 2026 trial ended on July 27, 2026 (checked September 2026). For the full picture, read our guide to the Venice access fee.

Combine Murano with Burano and Torcello

Murano rarely fills a full day, so most visitors add Burano, known for its colorful houses and lace. Then, if time allows, Torcello offers an ancient cathedral with Byzantine mosaics and very few people. A guided Murano and Burano tour handles the boats for you. Alternatively, the St. Mark’s, Doge’s Palace, Murano and Burano tour covers the center and the islands in one day.

For more planning, see our Venice travel guide, the best day trips from Venice and the best tours in Venice. Back in the city, finish with cicchetti, Venetian bar snacks; our guide to cicchetti in Venice explains where to start.

When to visit Murano

Go early in the day, when the boats are lighter and the lanes are calm. Similarly, fall is a good season, since summer crowds thin out and the light over the lagoon is soft. Meanwhile, check the museum hours before you set out.

More of the lagoon. Murano is a gentle start. Venice and its other islands have plenty more to show you.

• 2 days in Venice: a 48-hour plan from arrival to the islands.
• St. Mark’s Basilica tickets: prices, time slots and the Sunday rules.
• Venice gondola ride cost: official prices, shared vs private.
• 3 days in Venice: a day-by-day plan by district.

Staying in Venice? Compare places to stay below.

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Before you book a hotel, read where to stay in Venice, so your first morning starts close to the sights.

Things to do in Murano: frequently asked questions

How much time do I need in Murano?

About half a day covers a glass demonstration, the Glass Museum and the basilica. Add Burano for a full day.

How do I get to Murano from Venice?

Take an ACTV vaporetto. Many visitors board at Fondamente Nove; check the official timetables for current lines.

Do I pay the Venice access fee to visit Murano?

According to the official FAQ, people going only to minor islands such as Murano do not pay. The 2026 trial also ended on July 27, 2026.

How can I tell if Murano glass is genuine?

Look for the Vetro Artistico Murano trademark sticker. Since 2016, each sticker has a serial number and a code you can verify online.

What are the main things to do in Murano?

Watch a glassblowing demonstration, visit the Glass Museum, see the mosaic floor of Santi Maria e Donato and browse the glass shops.