Though there are excellent glass blowing shops in Venice proper, the center of Venetian glass blowing in on the island of Murano. For centuries, Venice kept the techniques of their glass blowing a state secret, but now a visitor can see a demonstration of the art in a number of glass blowing shops and virtually every other shop in Venice has pretty figurines, drinking ware, and other examples of the glass blowing art. Of particular interest is the Museo Vetrario on Murano which contains a collection of glass artifacts from throughout the centuries.
Burano
Just as Murano is famous for glass blowing, the island of Burano is famous for lace making. Be sure to visit the Scuola di Merletti for a display and demonstration of the art of lace making.
Visiting Venice
Venice is accessible by rail or road, though there is a car park just outside the city, Getting around inside the city is relatively easy. A brisk walk will take one across its length in about an hour. However, the Grand Canal, which winds through the middle of the city, is the main highway, but traversed by boats. The Vaporetti or water busses will take you up and down the Canal as well as to outlaying islands like Murano and Burano. Of course, a ride on a gondola is a must when visiting Venice. A gondola ride can be gotten at a travel agency or negotiated directed with the gondolier.
A note on prices: Venice can be quite expensive, but the farther away one gets from the Piazza San Marco, the prices of hotels, restaurants, and shops tend to decrease.