Day Trip from Venice to Burano

This little colourful town in Italy is one of the most Instagrammed places. I have seen pictures of this colourful town already a couple of years ago, but now when I open my news feed, there is no single day without these beautiful houses. When I found out that this little town is called Burano and actually part of Venice, I was thrilled that I could finally go see this place myself. And I have to say that none of the pictures come close to the real life experience!

Burano is an island in the Northern Venetian Lagoon and actually a part of Venice. It has been named by various magazines as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. When you come from Venice, it feels like a totally different world – sometimes a bit unreal or even Disney-esque.
How to Get to Burano

It is quite straightforward to go to Burano from Venice. Vaporetto line 12 (the Vaporetti are the water buses in Venice) takes you from Fondamenta Nove (in the Northern part of Venice) to Burano. It is the same line that also goes to Murano. The trip costs around EUR 7 (about 8 USD) for one direction. I had a 72-hour tourist pass for getting around in Venice and the trip was included.
As I mentioned in my Ultimate Guide about Venice and the Biennale 2017, please do not forget to validate your ticket at the machine before entering the station.
You could also go by water taxi, but as it is quite far, it will cost you between EUR 100-130 (USD 110-150) for one direction.

When to Go to Burano
The best time to visit Burano is similar to Venice – from April until October. However, if you can, you should avoid the peak season from June to August because both cities are flooded with tourists.

My personal tip is to go to Burano in the late afternoon. We left Venice at around 5 pm and by the time we arrived in Burano, most of the day visitors had already left. I had already mentally prepared myself for the crowds and I could not believe that I was able to capture such a peaceful city.

What do See in Burano
Your visit of Burano will be very straightforward because the major areas to visit are quite close to each other. Once you get off the boat, you can walk directly through a beautiful park towards the center.

From there, just enjoy your walk along the main canals but also through the small alleys.

Burano is a fishing town and it is very beautiful to walk over to the sea side and enjoy the view.

Where to Eat
Al Gatto Nero
I had a recommendation from a gourmet friend to dine at Al Gatto Nero. Unfortunately, on the day I came to Burano, they had a private party. I heard a lot of good things about this restaurant and it was a shame I could not try it myself. Therefore, I would recommend to call them before your trip to Burano and make a booking. Try to get a table outside and enjoy the view of the canal. (Via Giudecca, 88, +39 041 730120)

Trattoria da Romano
The nice waiter at Al Gatto Nero recommended another place for us and we ended up at Trattoria da Romano, which was fabulous. The staff was incredibly friendly and the food delicious. Try the Antipasto di mare alla “Romano”, which introduces you to all the local fish delicacies. The Coda di Rospo (monkfish) and the deep fried soft shell crab as main dishes were also very nice. Even though this trattoria is quite spacious, I would still recommend to make a booking. (Via Baldassarre Galuppi, 221, +39 041 730030)

Where to Shop

Most of the places in Burano cater to tourist souvenirs.
There are some small shops selling scarves, jewellery made of Murano glass and lace fabric for which Burano is very well known.

Apart from a magnet (my must-by to collect the places I have visited), I only bought biscuits in a very cute bakery called “Panificio Pasticceria Garbo” on my way to Piazza Galuppi. And these biscuits were absolutely delicious. (Fondamenta degli Assassini, 335)
More about Venice
Ultimate Guide to Venice and the Biennale Arte
Hidden Shopping Gems in Venice
The Magic of Fabric in Venice – Visit of the Fortuny Factory & Showroom
Damien Hirst Exhibition at Palazzo Grassi in 2017
More about Italy

All information as of the date of publishing/updating and based on the personal experience of Elisabeth Steiger, the information provided at the exhibition and on the official website of Burano. We cannot accept responsibility for the correctness or completeness of the data, or for ensuring that it is up to date. All recommendations are based on the personal experience of Elisabeth Steiger, no fees were received by the recommended places above.
I love the colors of Burano! We did a day trip to Murano from Venice and regret not being able to make it to Burano. It looks like there was plenty to see and do in addition to A LOT of Instagram worthy pictures 🙂
It is a really lovely town and it was so nice to explore it – especially after the crowds had left. Maybe you’ll have time to go back some day!
Hi! The colors of the houses are just impressive! I just love the contrast with them and the water, everything looks beautiful. And, it was a shame for you not to eat dinner in Al Gatto Nero. 🙁
The contrast is very beautiful indeed. I was so disappointed that we couldn’t get a table, but maybe it’s just a sign that I have to come back 🙂
Colourful houses are my absolute favourite! We just don’t get them in the UK that often and I think it makes you feel so much happier! Sounds like you had a great time- love the photo of the old boy and his dog too 🙂
All the colours are so magical! And yes, the doggie and his owner were really cute 🙂
What a gem! Burano looks like a fabulous place for a wander and to break up a trip to Venice. What flavour are the biscuits? They look HUGE!
It was a very nice break from hectic Venice. The biscuits were the typical “plain” Italian coffee biscuits but they also had some with chocolate chips 🙂
Burano looks beautiful! It seems like such a quaint town, that picture with the man and the dog is probably my favorite too!
It is just a stunning place. And I am so happy about the snapshot of the dog and his owner!
Murano seems like a wonderful place to visit. I love glass so I’m sure I’d love the Murano glass. And I adore the pastel colors on the buildings. Italy is so magical!
Murano is just on your way to Burano – so they are often confused. Murano is known for its glass while Burano is the colourful town. But both are beautiful and really worth visiting!
Umm I had never even heard of Burano until now. Those cotton candy buildings are to gorgeous!
I’m glad I could introduce you to this new place 🙂
I’ve been to Venice several times but I’ve never been to Burano. It looks so lovely. I love the colorful houses!
It is lovely indeed and it was a great way to take a break from busy Venice
I’ve been to both Venice and Burano and both are absolutely magical! Agree the photos don’t do the houses justice!
Kristie
I hadn’t been to Venice since I was a teenager and it was such a great experience to be back and see all this
Ive been to both Venice and Burano and absolutely loved it
Both are beautiful places to visit!