Best Things to Do in Murano: The City of Glass

Just a short vaporetto ride from Venice, Murano is a shimmering island where tradition and beauty collide. Famous as the heart of Italy’s glassmaking, it’s a place where fiery furnaces turn molten glass into delicate treasures, canals sparkle in the sun, and quiet corners reveal the island’s authentic charm. From exploring centuries-old workshops to wandering picturesque bridges, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Murano. And for those who like to blend culture with flavor, pairing a visit here with a stop at a nearby Veneto winery adds the perfect taste of the region’s wine heritage to your journey.

Best things to do in Murano

Watch glass come to life

The most iconic of all things to do in Murano is watching glass come to life in the hands of master artisans. Step into a furnace workshop and feel the heat as molten sand is spun and shaped into glowing chandeliers, delicate vases, or intricate jewelry. Every swirl of glass connects back to centuries of tradition dating to the Republic of Venice, and seeing it made before your eyes feels like stepping inside a living piece of history.

Discover the Murano Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro)

Another highlight on the island is the Museo del Vetro, housed in the elegant Giustinian Palazzo. Inside, you can trace the entire story of glassmaking, from Roman-era relics to the fragile goblets that made Venetian glass famous across Europe. Each room shows how Murano’s artisans turned fire and sand into art, and walking through the collection feels like traveling through the island’s soul.

Admire the mosaics at Santi Maria e Donato Basilica

If you love sacred art and architecture, the Basilica of Santi Maria e Donato is one of Murano’s treasures. Step inside to see shimmering Byzantine mosaics, Roman columns that date back to the 7th century, and the relics of St. Donato. The real showstopper is the floor, a 12th-century mosaic so detailed and dazzling that it feels like a pilgrimage in itself.

Attend a certified Murano glass workshop

One of the most memorable things to do in Murano is stepping into a real workshop and working side by side with a master glassmaker. Guided by an artisan, you’ll try your hand at shaping molten glass and create your own small souvenir, a certified Murano piece that’s personal, authentic, and truly one of a kind.

Wander along the Fondamenta dei Vetrai

Strolling along Murano’s main canal is like walking through an open-air gallery. Lined with glass shops and glittering showrooms, this picturesque walkway gives you plenty of chances to pick up an authentic Murano creation, from delicate jewelry to bold statement pieces. It also connects many of the island’s highlights, so every turn brings you to another workshop, museum, or hidden corner worth exploring.

Marvel at the clock tower

In Campo Santo Stefano, Murano’s Clock Tower rises above a square that feels like the island’s open-air living room. At its base, you might spot one of Murano’s most striking contemporary works: the Glass Comet by artist Simone Cenedese. This dazzling blue explosion of glass looks almost alive, catching the light and drawing every eye in the piazza. If you’re lucky, you’ll see it shimmering against the backdrop of the tower, a perfect blend of Murano’s historic heart and its ever-evolving artistry.

Explore the Palazzo da Mula

Once a noble residence, this elegant palazzo with its pointed Gothic windows now hosts rotating exhibitions that keep Murano’s artistic spirit alive. Step inside to admire the architecture, then slip into the quiet courtyard for a peaceful break from the island’s busier canals, a hidden corner where history and calm meet, and one of the more unique things to do in Murano.

Best things to do around Murano

Visit the ancient wonders of Torcello

A tranquil retreat only 13 minutes from Murano, Torcello is a hidden gem in the Venetian lagoon. Far less crowded than Venice proper, Torcello is home to the renowned 7th-century Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, featuring an extraordinary Byzantine mosaic. As one of the earliest settlements in the lagoon, its serene canals and ruins speak to centuries of Venetian history. After time on Murano, Torcello offers a spiritual and architectural contrast that enriches your understanding of the region.

Wander through Cannaregio in Venice

Just 20 minutes by vaporetto from Murano, the Cannaregio district in Venice welcomes you back into the maze-like beauty of Venice. North of the center, it’s less touristy but full of charm, with canal-side fondamenta perfect for strolling, cozy cafés, and artisan shops that feel distinctly local. Cannaregio is also home to the historic Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest in the world, offering a deeper look into the city’s layered past. It’s the kind of neighborhood where you can pause for a spritz, linger over a wine tasting Venice experience, and still be within easy reach of San Marco, St. Mark’s Basilica, and gondola rides through the canals.

Uncover the best things to do in Venice with our top tips and discover the city!

Explore the colorful charm of Burano

A short ride from Murano, the neighboring islands of Burano and Mazzorbo offer a colorful escape that perfectly complements a glassmaking tour. Visiting Murano and Burano in one day is easy, and absolutely worth it. Burano dazzles with its pastel houses and lace-making tradition, a paradise for photographers and wanderers alike. Cross the little wooden bridge to Mazzorbo, and the pace slows instantly: vineyards, calm canals, and a quieter atmosphere invite you to linger. It’s the ideal spot to sit down at a traditional trattoria and savor fresh seafood before heading back across the lagoon.

Step into lagoon wine & heritage

Imagine stepping off a vaporetto into a walled vineyard that floats between Venice’s canals. Nestled on the island of Mazzorbo, this place revives a forgotten chapter of Venetian winemaking with the native Dorona di Venezia grape. Here, a guided walk through vine rows tells stories of the lagoon’s wine past, tasting flights let you sip wines with hints of almonds, salt, and lagoon herbs, and a Michelin-level meal at the osteria rounds out the experience.

Discover Padua’s scholarly charm

About an hour away by train and vaporetto, Padua invites you to trade canals for cobbled streets and layers of history. Once a key gateway to the Republic of Venice, the city boasts Italy’s second-oldest university and masterpieces by Giotto and Giovanni Bellini. Step inside the Basilica of Saint Anthony, wander through lively open-air markets near Prato della Valle, and soak in the intellectual and spiritual energy that defines the city. Beyond the landmarks, Padua wine tours offer the chance to taste local vintages and discover the vineyards just outside the city.

With so many cultural and culinary treasures, there’s no shortage of inspiring things to do in Padua, making it a perfect complement to your Venetian journey.

Good to know before visiting Murano