Go to Murano or spend the extra time in Venice ?

We had the same amount of time as you depending on how early you arrive. We did go out to Murano and Burano and loved them. Some of my favorite pictures I took in Venice are actually Murano. Of course it depends on what you want to do. I would suggest prioritizing the sights you want to see in Venice and see I'd Murano makes the cut.

There is nothing show stopping about Murano. If you have other things in central Venice you would rather see, by all means. Murano will still be there for a long time. It can wait. If you try to see everything, you end up seeing nothing. Two days is just enough time to skim the surface of Venice and whet the appetite for the next time.

I really enjoyed my trip to Burano but we had spent 5 days in Venice during Carnavale, so it was a nice break from all the crowds and chaos. It was also a beautiful day in Feb. and we got some great images from the boat, but with just two days I am not sure I would want to leave Venice. You are in one of the most unique cities in the world so I would take advantage of it. If you are going in the summer and it is really crowded just go a few blocks away from the touristy area or wait till the daytrippers leave and you will have it to yourself (almost). Have a great trip.

Unless you are really interested in glass blowing, there isn't much else on Murano. I would go instead to Burano or Torcello. Burano is like a tiny Venice but with BRIGHTLY painted houses. It's a very lovely place to spend a 1/2 day. Torcello was partly built and then was all but abandoned. What's left is a beautiful church, bell tower and scattered homes. It's a beautiful place.
If you choose not to leave Venice there is more than enough to fill your two full days. Maybe save the islands for another time?

I think the islands give a different perspective on Venice, especially Burano and Torcello, which really should be seen as a contrast. It's usually (we've been 3 times) a 09:00-15:00 sort of day for us, including lunch. Torcello is the birthplace of Venice and quite serene. Murano hold interest if you want authentic glass pieces and wish to meet the artisans, but it also has an interesting glass museum and is scenic. Only go if the weather is nice: relatively calm and definitely sunny!

I agree about Burano and Torcello, I did lots of shopping on Burano and got beautiful original pieces from the artisans/artists. Torcello is a great break from Venice (and I need that after about 24 hours).

I went to both Murano and Burano and enjoyed them both.
But I did like Burano better.

I also got off the boat at the cemetery island (sorry can't remember the name) and was
fascinated with my visit there.....lots of historic info.

If you arrive early enough on your day of arrival do Murano and Burano that afternoon. The bright colors of the facades in Burano will wake you up if you are jet lagged. Since a lot of time will be spent sitting on boats and the amount of walking is not as much as Venice, it might be easier on a jet lagged body.

I've been to Torcello only once on a high school trip, therefore centuries ago. Don't remember much about Torcello except the beautiful Basilica (there isn't anything else), but it's really close to Burano if you are interested in old cathedrals.

**> If you arrive early enough on your day of arrival do Murano and Burano

that afternoon. The bright colors of the facades in Burano will wake
you up if you are jet lagged. Since a lot of time will be spent
sitting on boats and the amount of walking is not as much as Venice,
it might be easier on a jet lagged body.**

This is a really great suggestion- I think we might do this!
Thank you again Roberto- your posts are always so helpful and informative.

Jetlag does affect everyone differently. Ever since the year that we took the cruise boats down the Seine on our arrival day - and had a difficult time staying awake - I schedule more active things for that arrival day, even if it's just walking around a beautiful city.

Why don't you decide after you arrive in Venice, whether to take the time for Murano/Burano/Torcello? We've been to Venice a bunch of times, and have never been able to "find" the time to make it out there - I always have a list of places I want to see in Venice proper.

Personally, I would not venture out of Venice proper if I only had 2 or 2.5 days. There's a lot to see and do. But, why don't you play it by ear & if you see everything you want in the first day and a half, then on the third day, you can visit one of the other islands. Personally I would opt for Burano over Murano...unless you're really interested in purchasing some blown glass. Burano is much more interesting and scenic.