Murano and Burano Tours worth it?

We went on our own, easy.

Last time I was in Venice, a couple years back, the hotel in which I was staying had a brochure for a free tour of a Murano glassworks. It included a free ride from the hotel to the island, via a water taxi, not the vaporetto. Pick up was right at the hotel dock. Great ride through the canals and across the lagoon. It was an enjoyable tour and demonstration, about 30 minutes. While we exited the glassworks via the gift-shop, there was no pressure, no expectation we buy anything. Naturally, the owners hoped we’d drop some Euros on their products, but no pressure. You were free to simply walk on through and right out the door. But the displays were worth viewing. Magnificent artistic works. If I recall - and don’t quote me - I believe it was the Marco Polo glassworks.

Passage back to Venice was on your own. We took the vaporetto. Via Burano, by choice. A fine day.

Just go on your own. Go to Burano first, as it’s the furthest out, and try to get there before the shops open and the rest of the tourists arrive. It’s very pretty without the crowds and you can probably walk up and down every street in about 45 minutes. On your way back you could make a quick stop at Torcello before going to Murano. Murano is not as picturesque as Burano as it’s a more industrial theme, but the best fun is wandering in and out of all the shops and seeing the variety of wares. I also went into the glass museum which I found quite interesting, but I did not go to see glass blowing as I’ve seen it a few times elsewhere. I also made a quick stop at the cemetery island. A very peaceful and pleasant place for a walk after the crowds on Murano.

My hotel recommended Burano over Murano and I went to Burano and it’s worth it but Venice is worthier. If I had a week in Venice, I would recommend going to Burano. But if I had 2 or 3 days in Venice, I would recommend skipping it and spending more time in Venice.

i don't find murano particularly interesting. burano on the other hand offers a lot of photo ops. like you, i had an avm pass, and traveling to both islands was easy. i dislike being shepherded around so didn't even consider tours and guides.

We've been to Morano and Burano several times on our own as we've never really felt the need for a tour. Doing it on your own is super easy, and will let you proceed at your own pace, have lunch when and where you want, and just enjoy wandering the back streets.

Go on your own. A tour is not needed. Use your vaporetto pass and wander where you want. Enjoy!

Wow that was quick. Burano, then Murano on way back, on our own. Thanks !

When you go to Burano, get off the vaporetto at Mazzorbo. Walk through the gate in the wall a few feet down from the stop. Then walk through the small vineyard and garden to the bridge that goes to the Burano vaporetto stop. They're privately owned but worth a few minutes of non-touristy solitude.