Burano or Treviso for Day Trip from Venice

I just want to say that you're staying in such a wonderful neighborhood, give yourself time to just BE there.
Are you talking about one day for day trips, and two days for experiencing Venice?
Enjoy!

Thanks for your reply, Pat. Yes, I was thinking 2 days to explore Venice and 1 day for a day trip to either Treviso or the islands.

would I spend more time waiting for and riding the vaparettos to/from the islands than I would taking the train to/from Treviso?

You're in Cannaregio, so connecting to Burano is more "direct" than other sestieris. Trains to/from Treviso are frequent and cheap, so factoring in wait times, I'd wager travel to the islands would consume more time. I'm guessing you'll purchase the 3-day vaporetto pass, so traveling to the islands would be "free," but the cost difference is negligible.

Treviso might be a better change of pace.

I can't speak to Treviso, but we recently did Mazorbo/ Burano/ Torcello, and really enjoyed the day. We caught the vaporetto in Canareggio, so it is very convenient for you. We enjoyed being on the boat, we were able to be outside to see the water for most of it. We got off on Mazorbo and explored a bit, it was very quiet. You then can walk over a bridge to Burano, and much of it is quiet too, but we did find the main few streets very busy. We then caught a boat to Torcello. We very much enjoyed the basilica. It is under renovation, but we still felt it was worth it. We had a spectacular lunch on Torcello. We also had a glass of wine in the winery on Mazorbo. I'd say the only busy times were navigating the main drag in Burano, and catching the vaporetto back to. Venice. We were lucky with beautiful weather, I don't think I would bother in the rain.

If I actually posted the dates Lisa and I were probably there at the same time. Did exactly the same trip. As an added hint if you go back to the Mezzorbo stop to get back to Venice, yes it will be very crowded but all of those folks will get off at Burano and you will have first choice of a seat as it gets very crowded on the return to Venice.

I've been to Treviso, Burano, Murano and Torcello. My choices would be Burano and Torcello.

It's your first trip to Venice, OP. Let that sink in a moment.

I advise you to focus your 3 days on the many neighborhoods, countless sites, and unique experiences that La Serenissima will provide you.

I advise you to focus your 3 days on the many neighborhoods, countless
sites, and unique

While I love Burano, I think this is good advice.

And don't forget the area on "the other side" of Canal Grande: San Polo and Dorsoduro. First couple of times I was in Venice, I forgot about them, but there is much to see there.

+1 for palmisanojm's advice: there's simply so much to see in Venice proper! 3 days is IMO the sweetspot to scratch the surface. It's true that most people rush to the islands, but I'd personally leave that for a return visit.

Thanks to all for your suggestions and advice. I'll plan on devoting most of my time in Venice proper and if I have time or want a change of pace, I'll head to Burano. So much to see, so little time!

Venice itself is marvelous to just hang out in for three days- the charm will overwhelm you. Dining on their version of tapas in the evening- ciccetti- with some white wine is really all I want to do (delightful, delicious, and way cheaper than restaurants). And the vaporetto is the way to go- buy a multi-day pass. If compelled to take a day trip, the glorious mosaics of Ravenna are one of the highlights of my traveling life.