murano and burano day tour

Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award: Top 10 Experiences – Italy

Embark on an incredible journey to the vibrant Murano and Burano Islands with our exclusive Private Boat Tour. Watch local artisans in action as they create stunning glassblowing and lace pieces in live demonstrations. Browse through their world-famous collections and uncover the islands' hidden gems, charming bakeries, and mouthwatering delicacies—all with the guidance of our expert English-speaking tour guide.

Relax on a private boat as you cruise to these colorful havens, soaking in the stories and insights shared by your guide. Dive into the rich traditions of Murano and Burano, experiencing not just the artistry but also the authentic local flavors. Secure your spot for a memorable day in the Venetian lagoon - book your adventure now!

• Enjoy a relaxing boat trip to  Murano and Burano.
• Live demonstrations of traditional glassblowing and lacemaking crafts.
• E xpert English-speaking tour guide , who will share with you the story of the traditional islands and show you the hidden places.

Escape to Murano and Burano from Venice

What's included.

• Small Group of 20 people or fewer
• Round-trip transportation by private boat from Venice
• Expert, English-speaking local guide for the whole tour
• Glassmaking & lacemaking demonstrations
• Discount at the glass gallery and lacemaking shop where the demonstrations are given
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off

Sites Visited

• Island of Murano
• Island of Burano
• Murano glassblowing workshop
• Burano Lace-making shop

Take a Private Boat to Murano

Once you reach the meeting point in central Venice, you'll be whisked off to Murano by private boat to see its world-famous blown glass. On the way, admire the 'City of Bridges' from the water with sweeping views and entertaining commentary from your guide as you get ready to witness the magic of Murano glass. Techniques were so secret that perpetrators risked execution for leaking them.

Upon arrival, you'll dock at a specially chosen glassblowing workshop where you'll marvel as craftsmen shape molten glass into dazzling works of art. See these sparkling treasures come to life as you learn how colors and the most ambitious shapes come to be. You can also browse in the gallery, or shop with our discount. Afterward, explore Murano to enjoy its sleepy canals and San Donato church, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, without being hurried.

Discover the Finest Handmade Lace at Burano

The next stop on your   Venice cruise   is Burano. Considered by many as one of the most colorful places in the world, this small fishing community with its brightly colored houses also has some of the finest handmade lace anywhere. Watch this cultural tradition in action as women stitch by hand, like countless generations before them. After the demonstration, you will have free time to visit the lace museum, stroll Burano's vibrant waterways, or shop for souvenirs.

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Important Notes

• Please note that the Municipality of Venice will implement an Access Fee on specific dates in 2024. To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend reviewing the official guidelines and registration procedures via the provided link before planning your visit ( Official Link for Registration ).
• Please note that on Mondays, the typical lacemaking demonstration in Burano may not always be available. In such event, the tour still offers a captivating exploration of the island that showcases its unique charm and rich cultural heritage. We appreciate your understanding.

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

There are two times when you will be able to enjoy free time during the Murano and Burano Tour. You will have 80 minutes’ free time in Murano. In Burano, you will have 55 minutes of free time.

Please arrive at least 20 minutes before the start time of the tour.

We appreciate your feedback and within days of taking the tour, expect to receive a email requesting feedback of your experience.

• Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
• Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
• No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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Murano & burano tours, get to know city wonders.

A City Wonders tour is the product of meticulous research, detailed planning, and a passion for providing customers with travel experiences they will cherish forever.

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Premium Lagoon Excursion: Murano Glass Making, Burano & Wine Tasting

• Explore Murano and Burano, two ancient islands only accessible by boat, where Venice's authentic traditions still run deep.
• Visit a secret island vineyard, today part of a Michelin Star restaurant, and enjoy an exclusive wine tasting.
• Sit back and relax on our private boat, taking you and your small group of just 20 guests maximum from island to island. There's no need to worry about finding your own way around.
• See Murano’s spectacular glassmaking tradition come to life at a private demonstration in a gorgeous old church.

Tour description

Spend one perfect day exploring venice’s charming islands and enjoying vip treatment..

This Murano & Burano tour takes you away from the crowds of central Venice to the city's outlying islands, bursting with authentic history and culture. Explore Burano and Murano by private boat, complete with an exclusive wine tasting at a Michelin Star restaurant and a private glassblowing demonstration.

Say buongiorno to your guide and small group in central Venice, then enjoy a short walk through a picturesque neighborhood to your boat to begin your Murano & Burano tour. You’ll make a brief stop along the way for a photo op at one of Venice’s most recognizable spots.

Once aboard the private boat, you’ll slip away from the city center and catch breathtaking views from the water. Pass by legendary sights such as St. Mark’s Square, the Doge's Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. Throughout the pleasant hour-long ride, your guide will also point out some lesser-known gems that you’ll want to explore during the rest of your time in the city.

Explore picture-perfect Burano with a knowledgeable guide.

You’ll disembark at Burano and pop over to a secret vineyard—now part of a Michelin Star restaurant. Relax and enjoy the views of the vineyards from the restaurant’s stunning tasting room as you sip a glass of excellent white wine served with homemade snacks in an exclusive tasting that’s not available with any other operator.

After your VIP wine tasting, you'll discover the center of Burano Island, home to the famous colorful houses which have been the homes of Venice’s legendary lacemakers since the 16th century. Enjoy a stroll around the island with your guide, taking in the charming streets and sights like the old fish market (no longer in use) and the main church. After the guided portion of your visit, you’ll have the option to accompany your guide to a traditional lacemaking workshop or enjoy some free time on your own.

See Murano’s glassmaking tradition come to life.

Your next stop is the island of Murano, known for its respected tradition of glassmaking since the 13th century. After a 40-minute boat ride, you'll disembark on Murano and head into a formerly abandoned medieval church. Visited by Casanova and Venetian nobles in its heyday, this fascinating space is now a glassmaking workshop. Marvel at a private glassblowing demonstration and learn about the storied history of this local tradition.

After your Murano tour, you'll have some free time to explore the island. Finally, hop back aboard your private boat and we’ll have you back in central Venice by late afternoon. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in Murano for a bit longer on your own, with instructions from your guide on how to make your way back to Venice via public transport.

You’ll return to Venice with a new perspective on the Floating City and some of its lesser-visited (yet no less charming) islands. Thanks to the stories from your guide that bring the islands and their traditions to life, your Murano & Burano tour will provide you with a greater appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the lagoon.

Please note that this description is an example and your experience may vary depending on the season, day of the week, and group size. Regardless of where your tour goes, you always have an excellent experience.

Sites visited

Verified guest reviews, oct 05, 2023.

Barbara was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. We enjoyed Burano and Murano very much

Sep 30, 2023

Tour guide made the experience even better!

Sep 23, 2023

Lace making was a 2 minute example then heavy selling by store. Wine tasting was 1 wine only. Murano Glass blowing was good. Overall poor value for money.

Sep 16, 2023

Violet (Viola?) from our Dodge's Palace and Basilica evening tour was amazing! Her passion for sharing the history and interesting facts was evident. Easy to understand and the tour didn't feel rushed! Well worth it!

Aug 12, 2023

I really enjoyed my tour, Jennifer was a fabulous tour guide she was so knowledgeable. Well worth the experience, Murano and Burrato are both stunning. Also our boat driver was excellent. Thank you

Know before you book

Similar tours, welcome to venice: walking tour, st mark's basilica & gondola ride, venice boat tour with grand canal & tower climb, venice in a day with st mark’s basilica, doge’s palace & gondola ride.

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How to Day Trip to Burano, Murano, & Torcello from Venice

This isn’t an article to convince you to visit Burano, Murano, and Torcello – Venice’s “other” islands. Firstly, you’ve likely already heard of the formerly “hidden” gems of Burano and Murano, and secondly, I actually did not enjoy visiting the islands at all (more on that in the very bottom of this article, if you care). I know no online article or in-person advice would have ever convinced me to skip the islands, so I will not even bother trying to convince you to do that either.

This article is purely to help travelers who were in my shoes prior to visiting Venice , who are:

• unsure if they should only visit the most-popular two islands or try to squeeze in Torcello as well
• unsure exactly when and where best to purchase tickets
• unsure where to depart for the islands on the day of
• unsure of which order to visit the islands and how much time to spend

I want to help you make the best of the visit I already know you’re going to take (and to hopefully lower your expectations a bit so that you walk away not feeling disappointed like I did ). So keep reading for exactly how to visit Burano, Murano, and (maybe) Torcello on a day trip from Venice, how to get the best pictures possible, and how to do it all for the cheapest price.

WHICH OF VENICE’S THREE ISLANDS TO VISIT

Burano is the Instagram-famous one . You might worry that it’s all just a bunch of photoshop, but for as much as I didn’t enjoy visiting, I must admit, this place is made for Instagram. The buildings seriously are that colorful! That being said, of course this island should not be skipped.

I recommend visiting Burano as early as possible if you’re after empty pictures . I was on the first boat of the day. I got about fifty minutes to walk around the island before the next boat arrived and it became considerably more crowded. Once that second boat came, I was honestly pretty over it and wanted to leave.

I also recommend eating some breakfast before getting here or bringing some snacks with you. I was horrified to order my typical coffee and pastry at a seemingly affordable cafe, only to be rung up for the single most expensive coffee of my five weeks Italy trip ! If you are in Burano around lunch time, you might want to stop by Trattoria al Gatto Nero, where Anthony Bourdain had risotto on his show Parts Unknown. I wanted to, but it didn’t open until 11:00am, and I had to catch a train to Verona that afternoon, so I was on a schedule!

Recommending Reading: How Many Days to Spend in the Cinque Terre

Murano is the OG day trip from Venice, before Burano got “discovered” and stole some of its thunder. It’s known for glass-making , so while here, many tourists opt to view a glass blowing demonstration. These start at €7 to sit and watch the masters do their work. But if you’re on a budget like I was, you can just take a peak for free outside this place I’ve located on the map below for y’all!

When I visited, this island was the most crowded of the three. I almost didn’t get on my ferry because I had to push through such a crowd at the ferry station!

Besides the glass, Murano is basically a smaller version of Venice. The buildings are, pretty much, the same style and color. So, if you are pressed for time and have zero interest in glass, you aren’t missing much by skipping out on Murano .

Torcello? Yes, there’s a third island! Before my visit to Venice, I read a lot online about this supposed third island. Many Tripadvisor reviewers mentioned liking it better, that it had a seventh-century church, and that it’s a great place to eat. So naturally, me being my FOMO self and all, I couldn’t not check it out.

Honestly… I was disappointed . Yes, it’s way less crowded than the other two islands, but it’s because it has less to offer the typical tourist. I would only recommend visiting Torcello if you’re a total history buff and willing to pay the €5 entrance fee to enter the Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell’Assunta , or a foodie wanting a nice, peaceful meal.

Recommending reading: The Complete Liguria Travel Guide – there’s a lot more to Liguria than just Cinque Terre.

HOW TO VISIT BURANO, MURANO, & TORCELLO WITHOUT A TOUR

Now that you know about each island, how do you visit Burano, Murano, and Torcello from Venice in the first place? For starters, definitely don’t take a tour ! The cheapest tours cost just as much as a standard Venice all-day vaporetto (aka boat) pass, so why not just do it yourself to have more freedom ? Plus, with an all-day vaporetto pass, you can use the ticket for a sunset boat ride up the Grand Canal once you return from the islands ! This way, you get the biggest bang for your buck.

If you are 29 years-old or under, I highly recommend buying the Rolling Venice Pass . I wish I had known about it earlier! It costs €6, but in order to buy it, you must also purchase (at minimum) an unlimited three-day vaporetto pass for €22. With the pass, you also get discounts on many attractions, like a €12 discount entrance to the Doge’s Palace! The one-day transport pass alone costs €20, and the two-day pass costs €30, so getting the Rolling Pass quickly pays for itself . You can buy the pass online or in person once in Venice.

I didn’t reeeeally need a two-day transport pass, so I bought the normal one-day pass for €20, reasoning that it was cheaper than €6 + €22 for the three-day pass. Unfortunately, I didn’t see the €12 discount for the Doge’s Palace until after I already bought the one-day pass! *tear*

ONE DAY ITINERARY FOR BURANO, MURANO, & TORCELLO FROM VENICE

On the morning of your trip, head to Fondamente Nove (A) to depart for the islands. I’ve provided a map location below.

Like I mentioned, I recommend starting early and heading to Burano (the colorful one) first to beat the crowds and get (somewhat) empty photographs. This takes about forty minutes.  Next, head to Torcello, if you’ve decided to include it on your day trip. This is ten minutes from Burano and is the furthest-out from you’ll get from Venice. After Torcello, take the boat back towards Venice and stop at Murano. After Murano, travel twenty minutes back to Fondamente Nove (A) in Venice.

How long your day trip takes depends on how much time you spend in each island, and whether you eat meals at the islands. But as a minimum, budget at least five hours if planning to see all three islands.

Recommending reading: Free Cinque Terre Hikes – they’re better than the paid hikes (trust me – I did them all )

ARE VENICE’S ISLANDS WORTH IT?

Honestly? No. Yes, I just spent this entire article telling you exactly how to get to these islands. But if I’m being honest, I really didn’t like them ! I felt like the entire point of visiting them is for pretty Instagram photographs…yet it’s way too crowded to even get the nice photographs you came for in the first place. And unlike Venice (or Rome, or Florence) there is no cultural draw to to offset or justify the annoyance from the Instagram-crowds. It truly felt like a Disneyland.

But as I said at the start of this post, no one would have convinced me to not see them . So I am not trying to convince you of that either. I just want to lower your expectations , so you end up enjoying your trip more than I did!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Am I nuts to say that Venice’s islands are not worth it? Have you been to all three islands? What did you think? Let me know in a comment below.

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Further Reading...

The Best Alternative (Cheaper) Cinque Terre Base Towns

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19 comments.

Thank you for your honest opinion. We will be visiting Venice in the first week of June and are planning to spend half a day on the islands. Do you have any recommendations for which glass factory to visit in Murano? I have heard of quite a few to choose from.

That Travelista

I unfortunately don’t have a recommendation for a glass factory to visit. 🙁 As you might have seen that I’ve said in this post, I didn’t visit any myself and just watched outside of one for a bit from the spot in google maps that I’ve marked in the post.

Sorry to not be of more help!

Hi Em, I’m attracted to your refined and classy travel blog and more so your honesty about visits to these 3 Venetian islands. Unlike other travel blogger, they would be effusive in their praises of certain sites and then they insert their promotion of certain links to merchants. I can understand that the bloggers want to make some money but they are not as frank and honest as you are. So having taken your good counsel here, I’ll be following your itinerary to these 3 islands when I visit Venice the following weeks.

Thanks so much for your kind feedback! It means a lot 🙂 I hope you enjoy your time in Venice and touring these 3 islands. I’d love to know how you find them after visiting!

The Best of Italy: Ultimate Two Week Italy Itinerary

[…] overrated, but maybe I’m just bitter because I got bad weather? I have an in-depth guide on how to visit the islands from Venice, as well as what each island is all […]

tiana bantis

Lovely to read your opinion and I actually only made it to Burano and loved it! We went around 10am and wandered away from the main canal and saw very little people

Glad you loved Burano! That is true that the smaller streets were much less crowded!

This is exactly how I would like to visit Venice, without a tour and exploring on our own. My husband loves doing that. Although sometimes we do get lost. haha But that adds to the fun of it. 😛

I think it’s a great destination to explore without a tour! It’s crowded enough already, so it’s nice to be able to wander at your own discretion to hopefully avoid the crowds a bit 😉

I’m sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy your visit! Sometimes I feel like Instagram skews our expectations of a place (Burano) – that’s definitely happened to me before.

Aw, thanks, Olivia! I’m still glad to have gone and seen for myself 🙂

Such a helpful post. I actually has no idea how Venice was laid out so this helps for my planning when I eventually (hopefully) get there. And the tip to get there early is a great one. Love the pictures, so colorful

Glad it was helpful! I was definitely a little confused on how to get there beforehand, so figured I’d share what I learned 🙂

Those colourful houses are so charming! This place is definitely on my bucket list 🙂

They definitely are pretty! I hope you get to see for yourself someday 🙂

Victoria Stadnik

I’m just in love with Italy and ready to return there again and again, at least reading your blog about the trip. Thanks for sharing!

I can totally relate! I’m always in a state of wanting to return to Italy!

Margarida Vasconcelos

Beautiful, colourful cities, thank you so much for sharing it.

Sharing is caring! 🙂

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The best of italy: ultimate two week italy itinerary (14 days), that travelista.

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The Best Murano and Burano Tours to Take in 2024 and Why

Ian Sumpter Last Updated: October 27, 2023

No trip to Venice is complete without a trip to the islands of Murano and Burano, with their famous glass and lace-producing factories. One of the best ways to experience these two islands is on a guided tour. In this article, I’ll cover the best Murano and Burano tours to take this year and why.

Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Venice? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. See our  guide to Venice  for more planning resources, our  best Venice tours  for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in Venice .

Should You Take a Tour of Murano and Burano?

Short answer: yes!

The best tours of Murano and Burano focus on the trades that have flourished on the islands for centuries. In 1291, all glass production was moved from the main islands to Murano to prevent fires and ensure the glass-making skills remained a secret known only to the Venetians. Today, you can watch Murano glassblowers using the exact same techniques that they having been using for centuries for the world-famous venetian glass.

Burano is almost like a toy model village, its tiny houses painted bright colors. Fishermen mainly inhabit the island, but lace production has been centered here since the 15th century. Today, almost every store on the island sells lace, and the ladies who produce it are still often seen practicing their art on the street.

You can, of course, visit both of these islands on your own. It will be enjoyable, you will learn a little, buy some pleasant souvenirs, and be on your merry way. But the best tours offer experiences you would only be able to do with the help of an expert guide. You can learn the history in the book, but a licensed expert guide can elevate any visit to help you get under the skin of the trades, traditions, and legends of these areas.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our free Guide to Venice !

What Are The Most Popular Murano and Burano Tours To Take

With a guided tour, you’ll have all the logistics taken care of for you. No waiting in line to buy tickets, no searching for a glass factory or lacemaker shop that’s open to the public. All of that will be taken care of for you, so you can just enjoy taking in the views, soaking in the history, and learning about the fascinating trades that have been practiced on the islands for centuries.

• Murano and Burano in a Half-Day Boat Tour
• Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano
• Venice Islands and Artisans Private Tour
• Island Adventure Boat Tour to Mazzorbo, Burano, and Murano

1. Murano and Burano in a Half-Day Boat Tour (4 Hours)

Getting to Murano and Burano from Venice can be a little chaotic if you’re using public ferries and water taxis, so this small group tour simplifies things! Jump aboard your private speedboat before cruising to Murano and Burano. You’ll witness the centuries-old glass-making traditions on the island of Murano before heading to the colorful Burano. There, you’ll see a centuries-old lacemaking demonstration unavailable to the public.

This is a perfect tour to learn about the incredible crafts practiced on these islands for centuries and enjoy experiences you would be unable to witness if you were to visit alone.

Highlights:

• Round-trip transportation from Venice by private boat
• Tour and glassblowing demonstration in Murano
• Tour and lacemaking demonstration in Burano
• Free time to explore in Murano and Burano
• Friendly, English-speaking guide
• Maximum group size of 25

See tour itinerary, price, and description

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our free Guide to Venice

2. Ultimate Venice in a Day with Murano and Burano

If your Time is limited in Venice and you want to pack in as much as possible, then this tour is a great option. We have packed in as much of the good stuff as possible. Your expert guide will breeze past the lines at St. Mark’s and the Doge’s Palace for a full guided tour before jumping in a private water taxi to see glassblowing in Murano and the Instagram haven of colorful Burano.

There’s even a must-do gondola ride to ensure you get the whole Venice experience.

This is the perfect tour if you are spending a couple of days in the city. You’ll tick off all the major sites in one day, allowing you to enjoy the city at your leisure for the rest of your stay.

• Skip-the-line guided tour of St. Mark’s & Doge’s Palace
• 30-minute gondola ride
• Free time for lunch
• Round-trip transportation to Murano/Burano
• Glassblowing demonstration in Murano
• Lacemaking demonstration in Burano
• Free time to explore both islands
• Maximum group size of 20
• A fun, local guide

Looking for more Venice tours? Check out the Top Venice Tours

3. Venice Islands and Artisans Private Tour ( 4 Hours)

Be whisked away to the islands of Murano and Burano on this private tour. Perfect for a family or group of friends who want that VIP experience.

The islands are inhabited by amazing Italian craftspeople who produce the famous Venetian-colored glass and intricate lace, the perfect place to experience the artisan culture of the city. Enjoy a glassblowing demonstration in Murano and see artisanal lace-making in Burano, with plenty of time to explore the many other charms of the islands with your private guide before returning to the city. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the shops and pick up some beautiful souvenirs before returning to Venice on your private boat and being transported in luxury—a truly unforgettable experience and one of the best Murano and Burano tours available.

• Private tour and glassblowing demonstration in Murano
• Private tour and lace-making demonstration in Burano
• Engaging, English-speaking private guide

Ready to book? Check out our guide on Where to Stay in Venice

4. Island Adventure Boat Tour to Mazzorbo, Burano, and Murano

Stroll through cobbled streets and the colored houses in Burano. Witness glassmaking mastery in Murano and take in the rich history and peaceful nature of Mazzorbo. If you want to see a different side of Venice, this is the perfect trip for you!

As well as the glass-blowing production of Murano and the beautiful lace-making in Burano, this tour also visits the vineyards of Mazzorbo. Less known than Murano and Burano, the island of Mazzorbo is home to just 300 people. You’ll get the chance to explore the walled Venissa vineyards and one of Venice’s oldest churches, Santa Caterina.

Wine, glass, and lace are the perfect trinity of souvenirs. It is an undeniably great way to explore three unique islands and their storied trades. With a group size maxed out at just eight people, this is a truly intimate experience that should be on any travel itinerary of Venice.

• Round-trip transportation by local water bus
• Mazzorbo Island with nature, ancient churches, and vineyards
• Burano Island with colored houses, artisan shops, and its leaning tower
• Murano Island with glassmaking workshops and historic buildings
• Engaging English-speaking guide
• Maximum group size of 8

Not ready to book a tour? Check out the Top Things to Do in Venice

Where To Stay in Venice

Despite the size of this little island, there are endless hotel options to choose from. We’ve picked the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in, whether you prefer Italian luxury, quiet serenity, or both!

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More currencies, murano, burano & torcello islands day tour with glass factory visit.

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Spend a magical afternoon exploring the magical islands on the Venetian Lagoon on a speedboat and experience the history and culture of a city that has been described by many as “the most beautiful city built by man.”

Embark upon this scenic full-day tour that takes you to 3 of Venice’s most stunning islands, with a multi-lingual guide.

Upgrade for round-trip transfers from St. Mark's or Santa Lucia Venice train station.

Soak up the scenery and charm of the Venitian lagoon from aboard a motorboat.

Your first stop is at Murano, an island known for its iconic glass factory and the beautiful Basilica of Santi Maria e Donato.

Next up is the stunning island of Burano, an island so colorful and bright, you’ll forget all your cares.

Finally, at Torcello, admire the Santa Maria Assunta and other historically rich buildings.

Fun fact: There are close to 100 islands in the Venetian Lagoon!

Motorboat to and from Venice

Visit to glass factory in Murano

Multilingual assistance

English, Spanish, French, German, & Italian-speaking guide

Round-trip shuttle transfers from St. Mark's/Santa Lucia train station (optional)

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your experience

Take this full-day excursion in and around Venice and enjoy the sights and sounds that make up this historically and culturally-rich city. This trip is spread across three distinct islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Start your day by taking the boat from St. Marks area to the beautiful island of Murano, where you will get to visit one of Venice’s famed glass factories. Here you can learn the art of glass blowing by watching the masters in action during a demonstration. There are various sights on the island such as the Basilica of Santi Maria e Donato, one of the oldest in the region.

The next stop in the tour is the vibrant island of Burano, where you can see lines of colorful houses by the canals. You can also pick up a souvenir in the form of a rare artisan lace. The last stop in the tour is the island of Torcello, which was founded in the year 452 and is scattered with buildings that are hundreds of years old. You can leisurely stroll around the various tourist spots on the island, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Attila’s throne, and the Bell tower. Upon finishing the tour, your motorboat will drop you at the departure point.

Know before you go

What to bring.

• It is advisable to carry a bottle of water, especially on warmer days.

Additional information

It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear.

As it is a shared tour, there are no refunds for no-shows or late arrivals.

The tour will carry on despite the rain.

An important thing to note is that the tour is not a guided tour. However, there will be multilingual assistance and relevant explanations will be provided.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Kindly ensure that you arrive 15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Meeting Points

Meet your guide at Riva degli Schiavoni 4136, 4 bridges from Piazza San Marco towards the Arsenale.

Address: Riva degli Schiavoni, 4136, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy

Landmark: Piers 1a/b, 2a/b, and 3a/b in the Approdo Cornoldi spot.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Ferrovia/Train Station

Meet your guide at Ferrovia Compartimentale (ex F30).

Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy.

Landmark: In front of KFC Restaurant, near Calatrava Bridge.

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Burano Island Guide

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Burano is a bright and colorful island not far from Venice, perfect for a day trip. Although it’s technically part of the city of Venice, this tiny island in the Venetian Lagoon has a slow-paced, small-town atmosphere and plenty of charm.

Burano is one of the most colorful places I’ve ever been, with picturesque rainbow-hued houses lining every street and canal on the island.

Planning your trip to Burano last minute?

Venice is an extremely popular destination, and I recommend booking accommodation and tours as early as possible.

🎭 Top-Rated Tour on Burano Island:

• Visit Murano and Burano (Two islands in one trip!)

🛌  Top-Rated Hotels on Burano Island:

• Casa Burano (Elegant rooms in a historic location)
• Venissa Wine Resort (A unique luxury experience)
• Tiffany Gold (Mid-range apartment)

Burano is extremely small, with just three canals and a handful of streets running through it. You can easily walk from one end of Burano to the other in just 10 minutes. The population of Burano is just 2,800 people, many from families who have lived on the island for generations.

There are no cars on the island, and locals get around on foot, by bicycle, or by boat — historically, Burano has been a fishing town, so many families own small boats and keep them in the island’s canals.

The only way you can get to Burano from Venice is by boat, and when paired together, Murano Island and Burano Island make one of the best day trips from Venice .

Aside from its colorful houses, Burano is famous for its tradition of lace-making. The women of the island began making lace by needlepoint in the 16th century, and it was exported all around Europe. Although lace-making in Burano has declined over the centuries, it still remains an important part of the island’s cultural identity and tourism industry.

Burano is a very special little island, and I can’t wait to show you all about it. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Venice !

This post was published in May 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Dale Peterson.

Table of Contents

Things to Do on Burano Island

Explore the colorful streets.

The best thing to do on the island of Burano? Spend some time simply wandering around the colorful streets and photographing everything .

Burano is filled with colorful homes painted in vibrant hues. There are several theories as to where the bright colors come from. 

One popular theory suggests that houses in Burano were painted different colors so returning fishermen could easily recognize their homes, even through the fog. Another legend says that different colors correspond to different families in Burano.

Whatever the reason, Burano is a riot of colors, with cute homes painted every shade of the rainbow, making the island a photographer’s dream. Many of the houses are painted in bright colors like magenta, turquoise, azure, and sunshine yellow, with contrasting shutters and doors making for great photos.

Just be respectful as you photograph Burano — remember that people actually live in these houses, and don’t block doorways, peek into windows, or rearrange outdoor furniture. (You’d be surprised at the bad behavior of some visitors!)

You can easily spend an hour or two just exploring the streets and canals of Burano.

Visit the remaining traditional lacemakers

Lace-making has played a huge role in Burano’s history. Up until the 16th century, the island was not very well known, a small backwater in the Venice Lagoon. However, when the women of the island began making intricate lace by hand, it put Burano on the map.

Even today, lace-making still plays an important role in Burano, and it’s a big draw for the island’s tourism industry.

There are still a number of traditional lacemakers on the island, who produce lace by hand using needlepoint techniques.

As you stroll through the streets of Burano, you’ll see plenty of lace workshops and boutiques. Many offer free demonstrations of lace making, and you’ll be able to peruse for handmade lace souvenirs to take home afterward.

If you want to buy anything made of lace while you’re in Venice, Burano is the best place to do it. You might see Burano lace for sale at cheaper prices in souvenir shops in Venice, but it’s often not authentic. I recommend spending more for high-quality lace here.

You can also learn more about Burano lace on a guided tour like this one , which includes a visit to both Burano and the nearby island of Murano, which is famous for its glassmaking history.

Learn about the history of Burano lace at Museo de Merletto

The best place to learn about Burano lace is at Museo de Merletto, the Lace Museum. Housed in a 19th-century artisan school, this small museum traces the history of lace-making in Burano beginning in the 16th century.

If you’re interested in textiles and handicrafts, this museum is worth a visit to learn more about the fascinating tradition of lace-making in Burano.

Admission to the museum is 5 EUR ($5.30 USD) for adults and 3.50 EUR ($3.75 USD) for youths under the age of 26 and seniors aged 65 and older.

Museo de Murletto is open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM until 4 PM, and closed on Monday.

See the Church of San Martino

After you’ve spent some time exploring Burano’s colorful streets, take a few minutes to visit the island’s only church. The Church of San Martino is a historic cathedral dating back to the 16th century, visible from all around Burano thanks to its bell tower.

The tilting bell tower appears as if it’s about to fall over, leaning even more steeply than the Leaning Tower of Pisa — it makes for a cool photo op in Burano.

It’s free to visit this church, and it’s a great place to go and sit in the cool, quiet sanctuary to escape the heat on a hot summer’s day in Burano.

Try local seafood 

You can’t leave Burano without trying some fresh fish. Seafood is the best thing to eat in Burano because the island has historically been a fishing village.

I recommend trying some fritto misto, a popular local dish that consists of fish, vegetables, and herbs lightly battered and fried. (The only thing I don’t like is that shrimp is usually fried inside its shell. Why? Who enjoys that??)

There are tons of trattorias in Burano where you can try local seafood, but three of the most popular are Trattoria Al Gatto Nero (a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant), Trattoria da Romano, and Trattoria da Primo e Paolo.

Try Bussola Buranello for dessert

Bussola Buranello is a popular traditional dessert that comes from Burano. These buttery shortbread cookies originated on the island and are popular all around the Veneto region.

You can order these cookies for dessert in many restaurants on the island, and if you like them, you can pick up some to take home from any bakery in Burano!

(And if you head to Murano Island during your time in Venice, head to Murano Gelato Artiginale for some Bussola Buranello gelato!)

Walk across the bridge to Mazzorbo

If you have some extra time in Burano, one cool thing to do is walk across the bridge to the adjacent island of Mazzorbo. Just five minutes away from Burano, you can access this island via a wooden bridge near the vaporetto stop.

Mazzorbo was home to an ancient settlement that flourished at one time, but was eventually abandoned. There are only around 350 residents in Mazzorbo now. Although it’s so close to Burano, many tourists have no idea this island even exists.

Like Burano, you’ll find a row of colorful houses in Mazzorbo. But the real highlight is Venissa Estate, a vineyard and resort on the island. 

There’s a luxury hotel, a vineyard, orchards, and two restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Venissa Ristorante. This is a great place to enjoy a meal or try a local wine tasting.

How Long Do You Need in Burano?

How much time should you spend in Burano? A few hours is enough to see the major sites and fully explore Burano island. Burano is extremely small — you can traverse the entire island in about 10 minutes, so it’s easy to see the whole place in a morning or afternoon.

You don’t want to feel rushed in Burano, though, and I recommend allotting at least 2.5 to 3 hours to the island, if not longer, especially if you want to enjoy lunch or dinner while you’re there. Although there’s not much to “do” in Burano, it’s the kind of place where you can spend hours just soaking up the atmosphere.

The best time to visit Burano is in the morning before all the day trip crowds arrive. Most tour groups visit Burano from 11:00 AM until around 3:00 or 4:00 PM, so if you can come before or after this time, you’ll be able to miss most of the crowds.

There’s no need to get to Burano extremely early in the morning, because nothing will be open until 9:00 or 10:00 AM anyway. But if you can arrive around 9:00 AM, you’ll avoid crowds later in the day and get to enjoy the island in the calm morning hours.

Alternatively, you can visit Burano in the late afternoon and evening. At the end of the day after the day trippers have left, the island becomes calm and quiet.

And finally, the best way to enjoy Burano without the crowds is to stay overnight. More on that a bit below.

How to Get to Burano Island from Venice

There are several ways you can get to Burano from Venice. The most affordable option for visiting Burano is taking the vaporetto (water bus) from Venice.

The quickest way to get to Burano on the vaporetto is from the Fondamente Nove stop on the northern side of Venice. Fondamente Nove is a 20-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square. From there, you can take 12 vaporetto to Burano.

The vaporetto makes several stops before and after Burano, so make sure you’re paying attention and get off at the correct stop in Burano! The total travel time from Fondamente Nove to Burano is 45 minutes and the 12 vaporetto runs every 30 to 40 minutes.

Another more time-consuming option is taking the 14 vaporetto from the San Zaccaria stop which is near Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). This line doesn’t run as frequently, and it takes over an hour, but it is another option for getting to Burano.

You can buy single tickets for the vaporetto for 9.50 EUR ($10 USD) or day tickets with unlimited travel for 24 hours for 25 EUR ($26.50 USD). Multi-day passes are also available, which are the best option if you’re spending several days in a row in Venice.

A much pricier option is taking a private water taxi from Venice to Burano. But at around 130 EUR ($138 USD) each way, this is a staggeringly expensive method of transportation — I don’t recommend it unless you have a very good reason.

Another way to visit Burano is via an organized tour. This is a good option if you want to visit additional islands like Murano and Torcello in addition to Burano. Visiting multiple islands on your own on the same day is difficult to coordinate, but it’s a breeze on a tour.

This tour combines the islands of Murano and Burano into an amazing half-day trip that includes a lace-making workshop, a glass-blowing demonstration, and a wine tasting. You’ll travel the Venetian Lagoon by private boat, learning more about each island from a knowledgeable guide.

If you want to hit three islands in one day, you can take this affordable day tour which includes a visit to Burano, Murano, and Torcello. You’ll have two hours of free time in Burano, along with one hour of free time on the islands of Murano and Torcello.

Where to Stay on Burano Island

What’s the best place to stay in Burano? For such a small island, there are several hotels and apartment rentals for tourists in Burano.

Although you can certainly just visit Burano on a day trip from Venice, staying overnight in Burano is a unique experience and an option not too many Venice visitors take.

It’s nice when you can enjoy how quiet Burano is in the evenings after the day trippers have left. And if you’re a photographer, you’ll want to get shots of the island early in the morning, when the light is good and few people are out.

Here are the best places to stay in Burano:

• Top-Rated Luxury Hotel in Burano: If you’re looking for a luxurious hotel in Burano, look no further than Casa Burano , which provides elegant rooms in a historic location.
• Top-Rated Luxury Hotel in Burano: For an incredibly unique stay, check out Venissa Wine Resort . Located a 5-minute walk from Burano on the neighboring island of Mazzorbo, this luxurious hotel is surrounded by orchards and vineyards.
• Top-Rated Mid-Range Apartment in Burano: Keeping in line with the colorful theme of Burano, Tiffany Gold is a charming apartment rental in the heart of Burano that is decked out in gold and yellow hues.
• Top-Rated Mid-Range Apartment in Burano: Another apartment rental in Burano is Tiffany Home , which will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a Tiffany box with its blue interior. This is a great place to stay if you want a little more space.
• Find deals on places to stay in Burano here.

There isn’t much variation in prices on the island; everything is about the same.

Is Burano, Italy Worth Visiting?

Is the island of Burano worth visiting? Yes, you really shouldn’t skip this small, colorful island. It’s a must-visit destination while you’re in Venice.

Go spend a day in Burano and take millions of photos. You’re going to love this part of Venice.

I hope you enjoy your time in Burano!

More on Venice:

• 35+ Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy
• 16 Cool Day Trips from Venice, Italy
• Guide to Murano Island in Venice

Planning a Trip to Italy:

• What NOT to Do in Italy
• Solo Female Travel in Italy: Is it Safe?
• Ultimate Guide to Driving in Italy
• How to Stay at an Agriturismo in Italy
• 30 Stunning Mediterranean Islands To Visit In Your Lifetime

More   Cool Places in Northern Italy:

• Three Weeks in Northern Italy: An Itinerary
• 35+ Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy
• Parma, Italy: A Colorful, Artsy, Delicious Town
• Where to Stay in Rome: Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation
• Three Days in the Dolomites: A South Tyrol Getaway
• Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy
• The Immaculate, Bursting Mosaics of Ravenna, Italy
• 25 Best Food Experiences in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• 23 Best Things to Do in Bologna, Italy
• 30+ Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy

Best of Southern Italy:

• 28 Fabulous Things to Do in Naples, Italy
• 16 Fun Things to Do in Sorrento, Italy
• Tropea, Italy: A Spectacularly Situated Beach Town
• The Joys and Challenges of Traveling in Sicily
• 22 Beautiful Places to Visit in Sicily
• Where to Go in Eastern Sicily
• 23 Fun Things to Do in Palermo, Sicily
• Complete Guide to the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
• Aci Trezza: A Laid-Back Coastal Town in Sicily
• Visiting Sicily in the Winter: Worth it or not?
• 17 Fun Things to Do in Bari, Italy
• 17 Cool Things to Do in Matera, Italy
• The Stunning Trulli of Alberobello, Italy
• 16 Fab Things to Do in Lecce, Italy
• Experiencing the Carpino Folk Festival in Puglia, Italy

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ELECTROSTAL HISTORY AND ART MUSEUM (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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2. Statue of Lenin

3. Park of Culture and Leisure

4. museum and exhibition center.

5. Museum of Labor Glory

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11. papa lounge bar, 12. karaoke bar.