Murano and Burano

If you want artisan-created pieces, I have found lots of artists' studios on Burano (assuming you ha e time for only one of the islands). Murano is traditionally the glass islsnd, Burano the lace island, but I found a great selec-tion of both on Burano. Murano has the big glass factories.

If you were interested in seeing some of the glass blowing, you'd want to go to Murano in the morning...all 3 visits to Venice I went to Murano (it's where I get my little souvenirs) - last trip we hit Burano...about 30 min before a torrential rain storm, so we didn't get to see a whole lot. But there is so much to see in Venice, you can use up half a day visiting the islands...

If glass and/or lace interest you, a trip to one or both of these is fine. But I think they're overblown as "attractions" otherwise, and on a short trip, you should focus on Venice proper. And if you think you'll escape crowds on these islands, remember that everyone else thinks so too. For less crowded places, you'd do better to see places like Dorsoduro, the area around Fondamenta Nova (ironically, where the boats leave for Murano and Burano), or San Michele (the cemetery island).

Agree that with only 2 days in Venice it would be best to spend all your time in Venice itself. Murano and Burano are interesting but we spent the better part of a day visiting them both but we had 4 days in Venice. There is so much to see and experience in Venice that unless you have your heart set on seeing the glass blowing or buying glass in Murano, you would be better to spend all of your 2 days in Venice.

There is a lot of glasswork in Venice itself. Some Murano made glass may even be cheaper in Venice than in Murano itself. But be aware that cheap glass in Venice or Murano are usually not made in Murano. Murano glass is expensive because it is handmade and individually blown. If you are looking for cheap, there are a lot of them. They are not made in Murano but you can say that you bought them in Venice or Murano. The same is true with Burano and lace.

Echoing the others here. Keep Murano and Burano as "back pocket" options in case you want to get away from the main island of Venice. But if it's your first time to Venice, I suggest spending all the time in Venice proper.

We loved Burano because it was such a refreshing change from all the crowds of the big cities. It was charming and we had the best meal in all of Italy there on the island. Loved it.

I think it depends on if you are a serious buyer of glass or lace.
If you aren't- and you aren't needing to see demos of these things being made- then I'd say skip them. We love glassware, and know good work, and we found some incredible deals on Murano: end lots (the last of a series), seconds with very slight imperfections- for a fraction of cost. We bought some very fine champagne flutes for $12 a piece! And they were, indeed Murano glass.

Cindi, could you share the great restaurant and meal you mentioned on Burano, was that for lunch or for dinner, and would that matter?
I am also trying to decide if I want to make time for a trip to the islands within my few days in Venice. I am more interested in Burano and Torcello. I visited Murano about 14 years ago, and found it very commercial even then. Glass work was everywhere there, and while some of it was amazing and beautiful, I found it very expensive, probably more so now. I ended up buying a very modest paperweight, not too expensive, and it would be very hard to break it! Still, a little piece of Murano. Thanks!

Thanks Cindy, and others. Two questions: 1. for anyone who understands the details of transportation in Venice, could you clarify whether boats to the lagoon islands are covered by a multi-day vaporetto pass, or whether those boats require an additional payment for a separate day-long pass? 2. For Cindy, you mention a tour to Burano including transport and a wonderful dinner,and you mention a cost of 55 euros. Was the 55 euros for the whole tour, or just for dinner? And if for the whole tour, could you please share the name and web site of that tour company?
Thanks, Larry (yet again)

Yes, the pass is good for going to the islands in the lagoon. I would also recommend stopping at the cemetery island - it is very interesting and a great place to walk around.
Several famous people are buried there.

Larry, I'm trying to find out the name for you. It was amazing, all the courses were reasonable and the server was very fun and personable. I'll check with our tour company, I may need a couple of days.

Larry, what we did was buy a package where we got the boat ride to/from Burano, tour of Lace Store and the dinner at the restaurant which included appetizers,1st course, 2nd-3rd course, bread, all the wine (or whatever you wanted to drink) desserts and that little after dinner drink, (sorry, I forget what it's called) It was like 55.00 euro per person for all that!!!! AND the memories....priceless!!!

OK, I'm pretty sure it's Trattoria de Ramano. ***** stars in our book.

Actually if you wander into Murano past the glassblowing you get into some cool neighborhoods where people actually live, if you like that sort of thing.

Mary Ann have you been to Venice before? If this is your first visit and with only 2 days I would just stay in Venice as there is so much to see. Have been to Venice 5x, most recently this past July, and been to the islands several times. Murano was o.k. but loved Burano but imho with limited time I would save it for a future visit. Have a great trip!

If you do decide to go to Murano and Burano, by walking to the Fondamenta Nove vaporetti stop located not far from Chiesa dei Giovanni e Paolo (Church of John and Paul)it will be a much quicker trip than getting on the vaporetti on the Riva near San Marco.

And it does take a long time to just get to and from Burano. With only two days I would stay in Venice or just go to Murano.

Thanks to all for your helpful advice!