What To Do in Burano: A Guide to Venice’s Colorful Island

Burano is one of the most colorful islands in Venice, known for its vibrant houses and historic lace-making. But if you’re visiting, you might be wondering—what to do in Burano to experience its charm beyond the postcard-perfect views.

As an Italian from Sardinia, I have high standards for Italian island life. Burano isn’t your typical tropical paradise; it’s more of a charming fishing village with a personality of its own. You’ll find narrow canals lined with boats, cobblestone streets, and houses painted in every color imaginable.

I have been to Burano many times – including on a day trip during my most recent trip to Venice last December. In this article, I’ll share the best things to do in Burano, some practical tips on how to get there, and a few recommendations for guided tours from Venice to Burano.

If you’re planning a trip to Venice, read my article, 15 Best Venice Travel Tips You Need to Know Before You Go. This article touches on the most important topics, including when to visit, what to add to your itinerary, and what to expect.

I also recommend reading my post Where To Go On Day Trips From Venice for more ideas on places to visit near the city.

What To Do In Burano

Burano is full of charm, history, and unique sights waiting to be explored. Its colorful streets, local craftsmanship, and fresh seafood make it a must-visit. Here’s how to make the most of your time on the island.

Wander around the colorful streets of Burano

Burano’s colorful houses are like something out of a painting; each is painted in vibrant shades of pink, blue, yellow, red and green. This tradition of bright colors is carefully regulated, with residents needing approval to repaint their homes, ensuring the island’s cheerful look stays intact.

It might sound simple, but the best way to enjoy Burano is to wander. Walk along Via Baldassare Galuppi, the main street filled with shops and cafes, but don’t miss the quieter canals like Fondamenta Cao di Rio, where you’ll see locals going about their day.

For photographers, every corner is a dream, with colorful reflections in the water and charming details like flower-filled balconies, hand-painted shutters, and laundry casually hanging out to dry.

Take your time, sit by the canal, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere and the bright colors. Afterall, visiting Burano is one of the best things to do in Venice for those who want a little escape and a lot of beauty.

I have written an in-depth guide on the Unmissable Things To Do In Venice that you should read before your trip.

Visit a lacemaker shop

Burano is famous for its lace-making tradition, which dates back to the 16th century. You’ll find small, family-run shops scattered across the island where artisans create intricate lace by hand. These pieces can take hours, sometimes days, to complete, and each one is a testament to the craftsmanship that Burano is known for.

Step inside one of these shops to see the lace-making process up close. Many shop owners run workshops or demonstrations to show how the delicate patterns are stitched together using age-old techniques.

While browsing, you’ll find everything from tablecloths and doilies to elegant scarves and decorative pieces. Look for certificates of authenticity, as machine-made lace is often sold alongside handmade pieces.

Overall, it’s an amazing way to connect to Burano’s cultural history and one of the most unique things to do in Burano.

Visit the Museo del Merletto

The Museo del Merletto, or Lace Museum, is the best place to learn about Burano’s famous lace-making tradition. Located in Piazza Galuppi, the museum showcases centuries of lace history, from early pieces made for Venetian nobles to intricate designs created today.

Inside, you’ll find exhibits with detailed lacework, antique tools, and explanations of the techniques passed down through generations. The museum also hosts live demonstrations where local artisans show how lace is crafted by hand—a skill that takes incredible patience and precision.

There’s a small fee to visit.

See Tiepolo’s painting in San Martino Church

San Martino Church might look simple from the outside, but inside, it holds a treasure: a stunning painting by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Titled The Crucifixion, this masterpiece is one of the highlights of the church and what to see in Burano for art lovers.

The church itself is a peaceful space and a respite from the crowds of day trippers. It has a classic Venetian design and a leaning bell tower that’s become a quirky landmark of the island. Inside, you can admire the intricate details of the artwork, including the dramatic use of light and the emotional expressions captured by Tiepolo.

Visiting San Martino Church is one of those things to do in Burano that feels both cultural and relaxing. It’s a quick stop, but the artwork and atmosphere leave a lasting impression.

Taste local seafood

As a fishing village, Burano is known for its incredibly fresh seafood. Many of the island’s restaurants serve dishes made with fish caught that same day, offering a true taste of the Venetian lagoon.

Some must-try dishes include risotto di go, a creamy risotto made with lagoon goby fish, and spaghetti alle vongole, pasta with clams.

For a casual meal, try one of the family-run trattorias along the canals. If you’re after something more refined, a few restaurants specialize in creative takes on traditional seafood dishes. No matter where you go, the focus is always on fresh, local ingredients.

We went to Ai Banky, a lovely small local spot that literally only serves seafood and fish – various kinds, either fried or grilled – and found it very tasty and reasonably priced.

Pair your meal with a glass of white wine from the Veneto region, such as Prosecco or Soave, for the perfect complement to your dining experience.

If you’re interested in learning more about Italian food, make sure to check out my article, Must-Try Traditional Italian Food By Region. I talk a lot about regional foods and what to expect, including food in Venice and the surrounding region.

Taste the bussolà cookie

The bussolà, a ring-shaped butter cookie, is a sweet symbol of Burano. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, this local treat has a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a crumbly texture.

Traditionally, it was baked by fishermen’s families as a long-lasting snack to take on voyages.

You can find bussolà in bakeries across the island, often wrapped in charming packaging, making it a perfect souvenir (my friend bought a bunch to bring home in Belgium). Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with coffee, tea or a glass of dessert wine for a true Venetian indulgence.

Tasting a bussolà is one of those things to do on Burano that gives you a real sense of its culinary traditions. Don’t leave the island without trying one (or a few!).

Check out Piazza Galuppi and the leaning tower of Burano

Piazza Galuppi is the lively heart of Burano, filled with small shops, cafes, and the hum of daily life. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the island’s energy. Grab a coffee or gelato at one of the cafes and watch locals and visitors wander through the square.

That’s where you’ll spot the leaning tower of Burano—the bell tower of San Martino Church. Its noticeable tilt is caused by the soft, marshy ground beneath the island, similar to Venice’s famous St Mark’s Campanile. The tower adds charm to Burano’s skyline and is a favorite photo stop for visitors.

If you’re visiting Venice in winter, the vibes are a little different. Expect it to be colder, quieter, and even more mellow. The contrast between the misty winter air and Burano’s colorful buildings gives the island a mystical, almost surreal feel. I wrote about it more in depth in my post What’s Venice Like In Winter? Make sure to read it if you are planning a winter getaway.

Walk across the three bridges of Burano

Burano’s charm extends to its canals and the picturesque bridges that cross them. The most famous is Tre Ponti, a unique wooden bridge connecting three different canals at once. It’s one of the best spots to take photos of the colorful houses reflected in the water.

As you explore, you’ll find smaller stone and wooden bridges scattered across the island, each offering a slightly different perspective of Burano’s beauty. These bridges connect the island’s streets and create perfect vantage points to admire the interplay of vibrant facades and tranquil canals.

Walking across these bridges is a simple yet essential part of experiencing the island. Take your time to enjoy the views and snap some memorable photos along the way.

How To Get To Burano From Venice

There are really only two ways to get to Burano—by vaporetto or with a guided tour. Each option offers a different experience, but both take you across the scenic Venetian Lagoon. Here’s what to know before you go.

Vaporetto

There is no direct boat connection from Venice Airport to Burano, so if you are planning on basing yourself here for your Venice trip you’ll first have to travel from Marco Polo Airport to Venice and then hop on a vaporetto to Burano.

The vaporetto is Venice’s public water bus and the most budget-friendly way to reach Burano. Line 12 departs from Fondamente Nove (every 20-35 minutes), taking about 45 minutes to reach the island.

Along the way, the boat stops at Murano and other islands, so you’ll have great views of the lagoon and a chance to spot places like Torcello.

The vaporetto is a simple but comfortable boat with indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor space offers shelter on windy or rainy days, while the outdoor deck is ideal for taking in the views and snapping photos. The ride can get busy during peak hours, especially in summer, so it’s a good idea to arrive early if you want a seat.

Tickets can be purchased at the vending machines at vaporetto stop or online.

Guided tour of Murano and Burano from Venice

For those who want to skip the hassle of planning, a guided tour is the easiest way to visit Burano. My friend and I opted for a guided tour on our last trip to Venice, as we wanted a completely hassle-free experience without having to worry about the vaporetto timetable.

These tours often combine a stop in Murano, known for its glassmaking and where you’ll enjoy a fascinating glass-blowing demonstration, and time to explore Burano’s colorful streets and lace-making traditions. Some also go to Torcello (that’s the tour we joined).

They’re perfect if you want a well-organized itinerary that takes care of transportation, expert commentary while on the boat, and plenty of time to enjoy the islands.

Here are a few tours to Murano and Burano:

My friend and I opted for this Murano, Burano & Torcello guided tour that also stops in Torcello. It’s a comfortable and well-paced tour that leaves you enough time to explore each island, and the live commentary on board of the boat is very exhaustive.

There’s also this Murano and Burano Boat Tour with Glass Factory Visit for an easy and enjoyable day trip. This tour takes you to Murano and Burano, with time to explore at your own pace. The comfortable boat ride across the lagoon makes it a relaxing and scenic experience.

I also recommend this Murano & Burano Guided Tour by Private Boat for a more intimate and immersive experience. This tour gives you extra time on each island to explore at your leisure, but all the while you’ll have a knowledgeable guide with you.

Conclusions: Is Burano Worth Visiting?

Burano is absolutely worth visiting for its colorful streets, rich lace-making traditions, and tranquil atmosphere. The island feels like a world away from the busy canals of Venice and is one of the best day trips from the city center – though if you visit in the summer months, you can expect the crowds of Venice in Burano too.

A half-day visit is generally enough to see the highlights, but if you want to enjoy a relaxed meal and fully experience the island, plan for 4-5 hours. You can definitely squeeze it into your Venice itinerary if you have a few days in the city. You can also pair Burano with a trip to Murano, a great way to make the most of your time in the Venetian lagoon.

If you haven’t decided yet on your Venice trip, I recommend reading my post How Long To Stay In Venice to get a better idea of how long do stay.

The choice of places to stay in Burano is very limited, so I don’t really recommend staying here as a base to explore Venice (plus it’s always a vaporetto ride to get to the city).

If you are looking for recommendations, I have a more detailed post on Where To Stay In Venice that explains the best areas and highlights the best hotels in each one.

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