When I think of Venice, I think of gondolas, romantic strolls along the canals, and heaps of tourists. In fact, over 5 million people visit this city each year and, in the summer months, the main streets can get a bit too crowded. However, if you begin exploring the nearby islands of Murano and Burano, known for their artistry and flair, you’ll enter a completely different world. In fact, compared to the main city, it can even appear rather peaceful.
In the summer of 2025, we spent an entire day exploring Murano and Burano. What we found showed us a completely new side to Venice; quieter and more manageable. In fact, it was almost like our little secret.
Here is my quick guide covering everything you need to know about these hidden gems. I hope that you enjoy it.
Exploring Burano and Murano, Venice | Your Quick Guide
Planning Ahead
Getting There
Firstly, I’m writing this guide as if you are staying in Venice. If not, I’ll assume you’re in a nearby base like Padua (much cheaper, to be honest) and that you are able to get to Venice early. By early, I mean around 08:00am. This is because the cruises which inundate the city usually arrive by 09:00am, which is usually when things get unmanageably busy.
From Venice, you’ll need to catch a vaporetto, otherwise known as a water bus. These run regularly from the stop of Fondamente Nove, where the majority of these buses run from. Depending on where you start in Venice, you may need to catch the smaller water taxis to get here. Once you arrive at Fondamente Nove, you’re looking for the Number 12. These run to both Murano and Burano every thirty minutes, but I’d personally recommend going to Burano (furthest away) first. This is where you want there to be fewer people and is, in my opinion, prettier.
Prices
A 24 hour pass on the water bus is €25 per person. You can get the far-cheaper single tickets (€9 a pop), but it really doesn’t make sense if you’re doing all of the journeys. To Burano, the journey will take around 40 minutes.
Accommodation
Staying in Venice is probably the best way to do this if you want to avoid the crowds. However, be aware that the city is incredibly expensive. This has become worse over the past few years too. My honest recommendation is to stay in Padua if you want to save money. The train journey from Padua to Venice is only half an hour, and they run regularly enough for you to get to Venice early.
Exploring Burano
Why Burano?
If you didn’t know, Burano is famous for its beautifully coloured houses. In fact, it is almost kaleidoscopic! The main colours are shades of pink, blue, yellow, and green, and these ripple through the island. Think a typical seaside postcard-paradise; that’s Burano. The Venetian architecture is also woven into this colourful landscape, and you’ll quickly see the famous leaning bell tower of Burano, which was built in the 17th Century.
You might be wondering why the houses are so brightly coloured. This is because Burano is a historic fishing settlement and has been since its founding. According to legend, these houses were painted by fishermen so that they could navigate their way home in dense fog.
Aside from fishing, Burano is also known for its lace-making. Across Italy, this lace is known for its unique style of stitching as it doesn’t use a canvas as a prop. The technique originally comes from fishing net repair methods, but nowadays it is as beautiful a souvenir as you could get.
What to do in Burano
When you get to Burano early in the morning, the first thing to do is to take photos. The island still gets relatively busy, and before 10:00am or so you’ll have the place to yourself. All of the island is quite compact and it won’t take you too long to see. I’d recommend strolling down streets and exploring to be honest. You’ll get to see a more authentic, residential side to Venice, rather than the mass-tourism on the main island.
Aside from walking, there are some key things to see. Firstly, you have the Piazza Galuppi. This is the main square of Burano and is where you’ll find that famous bell tower, part of the Church of San Martino. Just off of the Piazza is the Main Street; Via Baldassarre Galuppi and you’ll find all the souvenirs here. You will also find plenty of small eateries and gelaterias, home of authentic Italian ice cream. It is the perfect place to sit down and relax.
If you want to learn a bit more about the history of Burano, you also have the Museo del Merletto (the Museum of Lace). It goes through the history of this artistic past time and and a bit about the history of the island.
Eating in Burano
If you are in Burano for lunch time, you’re in luck. The island is known for its incredible seafood, the majority of which has been sourced from the surrounding lagoon. One of the speciality dishes of Burano is the risotto di gò, made with goby fish. Of course, there are other fresh fish options available, but this risotto dish is the most unique to this part of Italy.
You’ll also find that Venetian specialties have found their way here too. One of the most celebrated dishes is the bussolà, which is a buttery ring-shaped cookie.
Exploring Murano
Your next stop after exploring Burano is Murano. To get here, catch the number 12 water bus from the pier which you landed on. The journey should take around 20 minutes. Dependent on when you leave Burano, I would expect Murano to be slightly busier. Firstly, it will be later in the day and regular tourists of Venice typically come out to the islands to escape. However, the other reason is that Murano is typically visited more. This is due to numerous reasons, but mostly because it is much closer to Venice than Burano.
Why Murano?
Murano is famous for its immaculate glassmaking talents. In fact, the tradition of doing so dates back all the way to 1291. This is when Venetian glassmakers were ordered to move their furnaces out of the main city to reduce the risk of fires. Nowadays, you can find many glass workshops all over the island. In fact, when you walk you down Fondamenta dei Vetrai (the main walkway down the canal), you’ll find that every other shop sells glass. I’ll write a little bit more on that later on.
Before glass though, Murano was again a small fishing village, and you can see that clearly when you wander around. The island is also relatively peaceful. Whilst busier than Burano, it is nowhere near the chaos of Venice, and is perfect for a small escape in the Italian sun.
What to See in Murano
Murano is, similar to Burano, small and compact, so exploring it shouldn’t take you too long. The main place to see is undoubtedly the Campo Santo Stefano, which is the central square of the island. Again, you’ll find it to be a perfect place to stop after exploring. Whilst (like most squares in Europe) the prices of the cafés here are a little higher than other places, the view is definitely worth it.
Nearby is the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato. This gorgeous church is mostly known for its mosaic floor, which dates all the way back to 1140. The floor isn’t the only ancient treasure though. In fact, the church allegedly holds the bones of a dragon, which was slain by St. Donatus of Greece. Nowadays though people believe that these bones come from large Ice Age mammals, not large mythical reptiles.
Lastly, and before heading to all the glass workshops, check out the Museo del Vetro (the Murano Glass Museum). This place walks you through the journey of glassmaking and how it has evolved over the centuries. If you love history and culture, this place needs to be on your list. Admission costs €15.00 per person with reduced rates available.
The Glass Workshops
As I’ve said above, Murano is famous for its glass workshops and you’ll find these all over the island. Seriously, it is actually challenging not to find them.
One issue though is that there are some stores which imitate Murano glass, so you’ll need to be careful. I would recommend moving further away from the docks / touristy areas and towards the museum. This is generally where you’ll find the higher-quality glass shops, rather than the tourist-traps. Some of the shops around here are attached to factories, where you are able to have a tour. These places are absolutely ideal and you are able to see the master craftsmen at work.
Some of the best glass makers are Barovier & Toso, Seguso, Moretti, Venini and Pauly. These usually charge a little more than you would expect, but it is well worth it. They also generally ship larger items back home, but make sure that you also get the shop’s details and insure where possible.
Eating in Murano
Murano cuisine is very similar to Burano and comprises mostly of seafood. Again, alike the glass, try to avoid the heavily touristy areas and find somewhere local. Some of the best meals I’ve had in Venice have been the places I’ve stumbled across when exploring. Wherever you choose to eat, I would recommend a fritto misto di pesce, which is a mixed grill of fish and calamari.
Final Thoughts | Exploring Burano and Murano
Exploring Burano and Murano is a must-do for any Venice veteran. If you are in this part of Italy and don’t want to face the chaos of Venice, I would seriously recommend this as a day trip. You’ll see a side of Venetian culture you didn’t know existed and can enjoy the fabled landmarks of this ancient city from afar, avoiding the queues along the cobbled streets. Plus, you will have some of the best seafood you’ve ever eaten.
To help you plan, why not check out my posts on A Day in Padua | Your Quick Guide or A Day Trip to Ferrara | Your Quick Guide.
