5 Nights in Venice with Day Trips to Burano and Murano Islands

Spread across 118 islands, Venice’s character is largely defined by its unique waterways and impressive urban planning. I spent my five days in the city wandering through the narrow and winding streets, stumbling upon many of Venice’s hidden gems. One of my favourite activities in the city was to try the local ‘Cicchetti’, a Venetian tapa traditionally made with fish and bread. By visiting the city during the month of October, I was able to avoid the tourist rush and experience great weather. 

Doge’s Palace 

Doge’s Palace can be described in one word- spectacular. Built during the 12th century, the palace is both lavish and ornate in its internal design. Large rooms decorated with detailed murals and gold plated walls give visitors a true sense of how elite populations lived as Venice became the economic powerhouse of Italy. Visitors can buy a ticket at the time of their arrival and meander through the palace at their own pace. I personally found the elaborate interior design more impressive than similar buildings in Florence and comparable to other magnificent landmarks, such as St. Peter’s Basilica. 

Gondola Ride 

Gondola rides are one of Venice’s most popular tourist activities for good reason. Although I was initially hesitant to participate due to the expense, once in the Gondola I understood the value of seeing Venice from the water. The slow pace of the boats allows travellers to view the interesting details of the waterway, as well as gain an appreciation for the engineering needed to construct Venice over a lagoon. Gondola rides are available all over the city. I recommend that visitors wait until they see a driver in a less crowded area, as long lines can often form near the Piazza San Marco and Rialto Bridge. 

Food Tour 

Venetian cuisine is heavily influenced by the city’s proximity to the water. Fish and seafood remain a staple in the local diet and commonly served in restaurants. My favourite food during this trip was known as Cicchetti, a Venetian tapa featuring fish on bread. There are over 50 different kinds of Cicchetti, but the most popular version includes Baccala Montecato, (stockfish cooked with lemon and olive oil) and Sarde in Saor (fried sardines with balsamic vinegar and onions). Cicchetti can be easily found throughout Venice; however, the two best restaurants I came across were located near the Rialto Market and Basilica Santa Maria. I used a previous episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations to guide my food tasting experience. 

St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark’s square is considered the center of Venice. The square is located immediately next to Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s clocktower, and St. Mark’s Basilica. Although there is not much to do in the square specifically, visitors will find themselves passing through it on their way to different attractions. Avoid sitting at the restaurants that are located around the perimeter of the plaza, as they are overpriced and often have low food quality. 

Vaporetto Tour 

Part of Venice’s public transportation system, Vaporetti are one of the easiest ways to get around the city. These water buses are inexpensive and allow visitors to cover a lot of areas quickly. Unlike Gondolas that navigate the narrow canals, the Vaporetti lines pass through the main channels and take residents to neighboring islands. For sightseeing, take Vaporetto Line 1, which runs along the Grand Canal, passing St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. The total length of the ride is one hour and costs € 7.50. I recommend taking a Vaporetto on your first day in Venice to get a better sense of the city and main sights. 

Castello 

For my first two nights in Venice, I stayed at an Airbnb located in the Castello neighborhood. Located in the west end of Venice, Castello is a predominantly quiet residential area with small restaurants and cafes. One of my favourite places was Castello’s Giardini, a museum featuring modern art installations and a lovely park.

On my third day in Venice, I decided to take a ferry to the nearby islands of Murano. After hopping on a Vaporetto near St. Mark’s square, I rode for 20 minutes before arriving at Murano’s main landing. The island itself is famous for its glass making, which became a primary industry in Murano during the 13th century after lawmakers mandated that all glass factories be moved away from the main islands of Venice due to their high fire risk. 

Museums 

The main attraction in Murano is the Museo del Vetro, a public museum that showcases Venetian glassmaking through the centuries. Travelers can also visit the Barovier & Toso museum, which features a private collection of glass pieces from the past 250 years. 

Shopping 

Murano is packed with glass shops ranging in quality and price. Tourists can select from a wide variety of products, ranging from small souvenirs to large pieces of art.  If you are going to buy a souvenir at one of the many glass shops, make sure that it has the label “Vetro Murano Artistico” which designates that it is an authentic product made by local artisans.

On my last day in Venice, I decided to visit the beautiful islands of Burano. In all honesty, the islands far surpassed my expectations and ended up being one of my favourite activities on the trip. Burano is famous for its colourful and picturesque buildings that are located along narrow canals. As Instagram has risen in popularity, so too have the number of tourists choosing to visit the islands. To make the most of my day trip, I decided to leave from Venice early in the morning and arrive at Burano while there were few visitors. This timing allowed me to wander the streets alone and take photos of the buildings in the early morning light. By the time I left at noon, the streets were filled with many other tourists.

Photography Tour 

The streets of Burano are easy to navigate and perfect for wandering. Use the main canals running through the island as a walking guide. Some of the most colourful houses exist along the streets of Fondamenta S. Mauro and Fondamenta di Cavanella. After finishing with your photography, head to the main square for a snack. 

Grab a Bite to Eat 

There are many different dining options on the island of Burano, ranging from local eateries to upscale bistros. If you’re looking for a pleasant lunch, head to Il Gatto Negro or Ristorante da Forner, which both offer delicious dishes of risotto. For a fine dining experience, Vennisa’s Vegetable Garden is a hidden Michellin Star restaurant located on a local vineyard.