What to Do in Burano in one day

Are you planning a trip to Burano in Italy? Find out some of the most exciting things to do and see on this beautiful island in one day.

A trip to Venice is a must at least once in your lifetime. But Venice isn’t the only attraction you should visit. The area is dotted with hundreds of small beautiful islands, each with its history and characteristics. Burano is one of them.

This tiny island in the Venetian Lagoon is famous for its brightly colored houses, serene canals, and centuries-old lace-making tradition. It’s a destination that’s as photogenic as it is charming and just a short vaporetto ride from Venice. Burano is a must-visit whether you’re a photographer or simply someone who loves exploring unique places.

Here are some tips for your trip.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer tourists. Summer can be crowded, while winter is quieter but colder.
• Duration: A half-day trip (4-5 hours) is enough to explore Burano. If you plan to visit Torcello, allocate a full day.
• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a camera (obviously!), sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
• Respect the Locals: Remember that the colorful houses are private homes. Avoid trespassing or being too intrusive when taking photos.
• Language: Italian is the primary language, but most locals in tourist areas speak basic English.

Cultural Insights

Burano’s history is deeply tied to its fishing and lace-making traditions. The island’s lace was once highly prized across Europe and even used to create garments for royalty. While the lace industry has declined, it remains an important part of Burano’s identity.

How to Get to Burano

Getting to Burano is straightforward, but it’s worth planning ahead to make the most of your trip. Here’s how:

• From Venice: Take Line 12 from Fondamente Nove station. The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs €7.50 for a one-way ticket.
• From Murano: If you’re already exploring Murano, you can hop on Line 12 directly to Burano.
• Pro Tip: If you plan to visit multiple islands (like Murano and Torcello), consider getting a 24-hour Vaporetto pass for €21. It’s a better deal and allows you to explore at your own pace.

There are several accommodation options. I usually look for a hotel once I arrive at my destination, but since Burano is a well-known destination, it is better to book in advance with Booking. You can find some good deals here.

What to do in one day

This is what you can see as you slowly explore this beautiful island.

Get Lost in the Colorful Streets

Burano’s charm lies in its vibrant, pastel-colored houses. Each building is painted in a unique hue, creating a kaleidoscope of colors perfect for photography. The tradition of painting bright-colored houses also has practical roots—it helped fishermen find their way home in the fog. Today, this tradition continues, and residents must get permission from the local government to repaint their houses.

Visit the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto)

Burano is renowned for its lace-making tradition, which dates back to the 16th century. The Lace Museum (in Piazza Galuppi) is a must-visit if you want to learn about this intricate craft. You’ll find stunning handmade lace pieces and even watch local artisans at work.

Back in the 1500s, the women of Burano started stitching lace. Each woman specialized in a single stitch (there are 7 stitches in total), and each piece would have to be passed from woman to woman to finish.

That’s why one handmade lace centerpiece for a tablecloth takes so long.

I asked the old woman you see in the picture how long it takes to finish a lace, and she said it depends, but it could take as long as three months.

If you want one, remember that most of the lace you can buy today is not handmade. If you want to buy a handmade one, be prepared to pay a lot.

Photograph the Canals and Bridges

The canals of Burano, lined with colorful houses and dotted with small boats, are incredibly photogenic.

One of the most famous destinations in Burano is the bridge called Tre Ponti. The name is due to the uniqueness of the structure: a wooden bridge with three stairways that connects three different islands in the city, namely Giudecca, San Martino Sinistra, and San Mauro.

The Fondamenta di Terranova is perhaps the most beautiful street in Burano. The street runs alongside the canal, dividing the sestieri San Martino Sinistra and San Martino Destra from the sestiere and Isola Terranova.

Climb the Leaning Bell Tower of San Martino Church

One of Burano’s most iconic places is the Church of San Martino Vescovo, which, with its leaning tower, has become the island’s symbol. Built in the 16th century but renovated several times, the church houses some valuable paintings by Venetian painter Giandomenico Tiepolo.

Enjoy Fresh Seafood

Burano is known for its delicious seafood. Try local specialties like risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) or fritto misto (mixed fried seafood). My top recommendations are Trattoria al Gatto Nero and Riva Rosa.

The Fish Market is another famous place on the island. Located in San Martino Sinistra, this market is still used today. It is in a small square with several tables to display goods. The market is strategically located near the canal, so fishermen in the past could easily reach it by sea, and it’s also close to the historic center of Burano.

Take a Side Trip to Torcello

Just a 5-minute vaporetto ride from Burano, Torcello is a quiet, historic island with ancient churches and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great addition to your day trip if you have time.

If you plan a visit to Venice, why not include Burano? It will be worth it.

Here, you can find more pictures of Venice, and here, you can read some suggestions on how to visit Rome on a budget. If you are planning to visit Verona, don’t miss this article.