One full day in Venice/looking for suggestions

If I read your post correctly, you have a few hours of the arrival day, one full day, and the morning of the departure day. As much as I love Murano and Burano, I don't think I'd spend my only full day doing that. Even with an early start it will take at least 3/4 of a day. And there is more than enought in Venice proper to consume a full day.

One of the best things to do is just walk, and walk, and walk. It is an amazing place to explore. One thing that many overlook is the Jewish Ghetto. Another is the fish market near the Rialto Bridge. Don't worry about getting lost. You're on an island, and besides, some of the best things we've found have been while being "lost".

St. Marks Sq. in the evening is great without the daytime crowds. Have a sit down drink at one of the places with an orchestra. Maybe a dance or two. A bit expensive, but very well worth it.

Eating: Trattoria Da Marco Valla Fava on Calle Stagneri in the Rialto Bridge area. It is a bit on the pricey side, so you might want to do lunch rather than dinner. Some of the best sea food ever!! Try to eat inside rather than outside. The place has been around at least 50 years so they must be doing it right. Never had to have a reservation for lunch.

Also in the Rialto area ( but on the other side of the Grand Canal) when walking to Piazzale Roma is an out of the way place named Pane Vino e San Daniele on Calle Dei Boteri. Definitely a hole in the wall local place, good food, good house wine, and not expensive at all.

Many canal side places are lack quality, but don't lack for prices. There is an exception. It is Trattoria Da Giorgia ai Greci. It is very close to San Marco, but well away from the crowds, and has really good food.

You should be able to google the restaurant and check their menus and prices. Hope this helps.

I agree with everything TC says, especially the parts about simply wandering and skipping Murano/Burano.

For something a little off the beaten path you might want to take a look at Row Venice -- https://rowvenice.org. We took the basic rowing lessons a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed. I will confess that I couldn't quite get the hang of the wrist coordination required for rowing, but my friend did very well with it. The batellina that they use for lessons was traditionally used to carry cargo instead of people, and so it is flatter and more stable than a gondola, which makes it easier for a beginner. The rowing technique, however, is identical to a gondola.

A cicchetti stroll might be another food option.

I’d go into St. Mark’s Basilica. Definately take a vaporreto from the train Station to St. Mark’s Square, either at night or in the day. Grab a gondola anywhere. I got one on a side canal when I saw a vacant one. Cost is fixed. If you want to go to another island, Murano is close ( but I like Burano better, but it’s more of a trip to get there )

Thank you for all of this amazing info!!

Travelin' Savlens,
St. Marks Basilica.....The altar piece (front AND back) is a marvel!