I'm taking a nonRS bus tour and one of the optional excursions is an afternoon in burano including a meal. I have seen rave reviews on this excursion but my question is for you experienced Venice travelers-as this is our only full day in Venice, is it worth it do to it for the what I may see or should I just spend the afternoon in Venice? I'd like opinions from those of you who may have been to both places.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
I did a day to Murano then Burano and honestly felt like the whole thing was a waste. The boats took a long time, made me seasick, and i felt both islands were really touristy. In retrospect I personally wish I had just stayed in Venice itself and explored a neighborhood. Especially considering it is your ONLY day in Venice, I would stay in Venice, there is too much to see and experience there. Use the time to get out of the main San Marco-Rialto area and experience the real Venice most people don't bother taking the time to see.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2186 posts
Venice, absolutely, hands down. Leave Burano for next time!
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
I agree. Burano is a great side trip if you are in Venice for three days or more. If you're just in Venice for one day, concentrate on the Doge's Palace, San Marco and wandering Venice itself.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
62 posts
Don't even think twice, spend every possible moment in Venice walking, crossing canals or riding the Vaporetto.
Posted by
Hartford, CT, United States
89 posts
I finally went to Burano on my 4th trip to Venice last month and LOVED it. I'd go back there in a heartbeat. But having said that, if you only have one day, see Venice. There's so much that's magical and interesting about the city. Burano enhances, but can't replace, that experience.
Posted by
Gulfport, FL
188 posts
If you only have one day...Venice, definitely. Save Burano for your 2nd or 3rd trip. And in Venice, wander as far away from St Mark's Square as you can so that you leave the tourist hordes and find the true Venice. You really can't get too lost...sooner or later you'll find the Grand Canal!
Posted by
cincinnati, ohio, usa
129 posts
burano is a picture book little place but i would spend the whole day in venice...after you hit st marks sq. venture off and just wander around...you can see most of venice just walking around and that is a great way to experience the city...
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
Burano is a very slow and long boat ride for what you will see there. Yes, it is very picturesque, but if you only have one day, walk the streets of Venice, see St. Marks and the Doge's Palace. The San Giorgio Church across the lagoon from St. Marks Square is a beautiful church and the view of Venice from it's bell tower is first class (with elevator).
Posted by
Freedonia
15111 posts
I, too, loved Burano. But with limited time, I'll agree with the majority of posters.....stay in Venice.
Most of your tour group will go to Burano. (It's the nature of group travel.) Make sure you find out where and when to meet the group upon return if you're staying outside of Venice.
Posted by
OP
Huntington Beach CA
1116 posts
Thanks for the advice everyone! I'm so torn between experiencing both but your advice definitely helps.
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1003 posts
With such a short time I would just stay in Venice too as many previous posters have stated. Have been to Venice 4x in the last several years but did not visit Burano and Murano until our 2nd visit. Murano is o.k. but we really LOVED Burano and the colorful houses. On one of our visits to Burano we were having dinner during the evening passeggiata and it was so fun to watch! Have a wonderful trip!