Fun Things To Do In Burano: A Colorful Day Trip From Venice

Looking for fun things to do in Burano, Italy?

Just 40 minutes from Venice, lies Burano. A picturesque island in the Venetian lagoon, known for its colorful houses and unique charm.

It’s an easy half day or day trip from Venice, with great food and plenty of photo spots to enjoy. You can visit Burano on its own or combine it with a trip to nearby Murano island.

Keep reading for my best tips on things to do in Burano on a day trip!

This post contains affiliate links

Table of Contents

Is Burano worth visiting?
How much time do you need in Burano?
How to get to Burano island?
Tips for visiting Burano on a day trip
Things To Do In Burano Island

Is Burano Worth Visiting?

My honest opinion..

Yes, Burano island is 100% worth visiting. I actually consider it a must when visiting Venice. I’ve been there twice, and I would still go back anytime I’m nearby.

Burano is such a unique island. As soon as you step off the boat, you’re met with bright, colorful facades everywhere you look. According to legend, fishermen painted their houses in bold colors so they could find their way home in the thick lagoon fog. Whether that’s true or not, it definitely makes Burano one of the most photogenic places I’ve ever seen.

Things to keep in mind

Because Burano is so popular, it can get crowded, especially in high season. If you can, visit during shoulder season or off-season. If not, try going early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Weekdays are also a bit calmer. Walking a few streets away from the main areas makes a big difference too, and honestly, that’s where you’ll find some of the best things to do in Burano anyway.

Regardless of the crowds, Burano is a destination you really shouldn’t miss.

How much time do you need in Burano?

Burano is quite small, only about 0.2 km². It’s around 670 meters long and 450 meters wide, so it’s very easy to explore on foot. If you’re in a rush, you can see a lot in just a few hours.

That said, I always recommend slowing down a bit. Sit by a canal, take photos, wander without a plan. That’s when you really start to enjoy it.

A full day trip from Venice is ideal, but a half-day works too. If you like slow travel and quiet evenings, staying a night or two in Burano could be really special.

How to get to Burano island?

Burano is located in the northern Venetian lagoon, about 8 kilometers from Venice. Since it’s an island, you can only get there by boat, which is honestly part of the experience. The two main options when going to Burano is by Vaporetto (water bus) or water taxi.

Going to Burano by Vaporetto

The most budget-friendly option is the Vaporetto (water bus), preferably line 12. From Fondamente Nove on the north side of Venice it takes about 40 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at ACTV ticket offices or machines by the ferry stops. Tickets are valid for 75 minutes, so if you’re planning to visit multiple islands (such as Burano and Murano), a 24-hour pass is usually a better deal.

ℹ️ Vaporetto timetables and fares: Avm.avmspa.it

Tip! If you’re visiting Burano during the weekend and/or high season, you might have to wait for a few full boats to pass until you’ll get room on one. Planning extra time can be smart.

Going to Burano by water taxi

Water taxi is also a great option, depending on your budget and preferences. Its faster and more private, saving you around 10-15 minutes compared to the Vaporetto. It’s a more comfortable experience, but also much more expensive and less eco-friendly. It can be worth it if you’re traveling in a group or want something more convenient.

🎟️ Book water taxi: Veneziataxi.it

Tips for visiting Burano on a day trip

• Be respectful. Burano may look like a postcard, but people actually do live here.
  
• Dress for the weather, especially in summer. Burano can feel quite humid, even compared to the rest of Venice.
  
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll likely walk more than you expect.
  
• Bring a water bottle. Tap water in Burano is safe to drink and meets EU standards. You’ll find public fountains around the island where you can refill your bottle.

Fun Things To Do In Burano Island

Visit Museo del Merletto – The Lace Museum

If you’re interested in history and local traditions, visiting the lace museum is one of the more cultural things to do in Burano. Here you can learn about the island’s long lace-making history and see how detailed and time-consuming the process is. The museum is located in a historic building that used to house the Burano Lace School. We actually missed this during our visit, so I’d recommend stopping by if you have the time.

📍 Location: Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi 187
🎟️ Tickets: Tripadvisor.com

Tre Ponti

One of the most popular things to do in Burano is visiting Tre Ponti, a wooden bridge that connects three canals and three of the island’s colorful streets. It’s a bit different from the other bridges you’ll find here, and from the top you get a really nice view of the canals lined with bright houses. Definitely one of the best photo spots on the island.

📍 Location: Via Giudecca 30100

Corte della Comare

Corte della Comare is a small and charming courtyard that feels slightly more hidden compared to the main streets. The bright pastel-colored houses and charming details make it one of the prettiest areas of the island. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down and just take in your surroundings.

📍 Location: Str. di Corte Comare 30142

Shop local goods

Shopping local is one of the nicest things to do in Burano, especially if you want to bring something meaningful home. The island is famous for its handmade lace, and you’ll find everything from small souvenirs to more detailed pieces. There are also shops selling art, jewelry, and Murano glass. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s still fun to browse and see the craftsmanship up close.

Explore on foot

Exploring Burano on foot is, without a doubt, my favorite thing to do here. The island is small enough that you don’t need a plan at all. Just walk around, turn into quiet streets, and follow the canals. Some of the best spots are the ones you randomly come across. It’s also a great way to escape the busier areas and see a more local side of the island.

Attesa di Pace

Right where you arrive in Burano, you’ll find Attesa di Pace, a sculpture located in a small park. It’s a simple but peaceful place, perfect for sitting down for a few minutes either when you arrive or before heading back. There’s also a public water fountain here, so it’s a good spot to refill your bottle. It might not be the main highlight, but it’s still one of those small, nice things to do in Burano that adds to the overall experience.

📍 Location: Viale Marcello 30100

See the leaning bell tower of Burano

Did you know that Burano has its own leaning tower? Il Campanile Storto, located next to the Church of San Martino, tilts quite noticeably and can be seen from different parts of the island. It adds a bit of character to the island and is fun to look out for while walking around. Unfortunately, it was covered in scaffolding the last time I visited, but I still remember how striking it looked the first time I saw it.

📍 Location: Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi 20

Enjoy the sights of the window sills

One of the simplest but most enjoyable things to do in Burano is just walking around and looking at the details of the houses. The colorful doors, shutters, and especially the window sills are often decorated with flowers, plants, and small personal touches. You’ll also see laundry hanging outside, which somehow just adds to the charm. It’s these little things that make Burano feel so lively and unique.

Enjoy the local food

Trying the local food is easily one of the best things to do in Burano. Because of its location in the Venetian lagoon, the island is known for seafood and fish dishes. Many restaurants serve local specialties, and it’s worth taking the time to sit down for a proper meal. If you’re not sure what to order, look for risotto di gò or fritto misto.

Tip! We ate at Osteria ae Bandiere and had a really good experience with both the food and service.

Visit Murano

Murano is another island in the Venetian lagoon that’s well worth a visit. Murano is famous for its glassmaking, and you’ll find plenty of shops and galleries selling everything from small souvenirs to more detailed pieces. Some places also offer glass blowing demonstrations, which are really interesting to watch. It is also possible to visit the Glass Museum with masterpieces and 17th-century glasswork.

Related posts

Pin & Save post for later

Enjoyed this post about things to do in Burano, Italy? Pin it to your Pinterest travel board and save it for later!