Venice

Murano is an easy side trip by vaporetto boat. I wouldn't not go, but to me Murano wasn't anything amazing. (Unless you like glass blowing.) Burano is much more colorful and interesting, but it's also a much longer boat ride from Venice. If you have only three nights in Venice, I wouldn't insist on any day trips but you might pencil in a side trip to Murano or Burano if you feel like it. Just remember that Burano is probably a bigger time commitment than you imagine - just seems to take longer than you think (probably connect in Murano).

The Hotel Bauer has a wonderful outdoor patio restaurant. The view in the evening as it changes from dusk to dark is gorgeous I have that picture as my PC screen.

With only 2 full days (am I right?) in Venice for a first timer (am I right?) I would suggest to stay on the main islands. If I were going to take a journey into the Lagoon I would go the further distance to see Burano and Torcello.

But maybe never having seen before glass blowing and the creation of tiny horses a trip to Murano would be just what you want. If you like glass (otherwise, why Murano) you may well want to visit the excellent glassmaking museum on Murano.

But, if you only have two full days, and it sounds like you have the Saturday booked (with what?, so as to better answer your question) there is plenty to occupy you in the main islands.

Other than the art and interiors of all the 12 Chorus churches there are plenty of other special churches, the Grand Canal has plenty of attractions for several trips up and down, there is Dorsoduro, the big museums, the smaller museums, Cannaregio, the original Ghetto, the Arsenale, the Frari, many beautiful Campos, although don't expect much action at the Fish Market on Sunday. You might find some action at the Campo San Barnaba floating market in Dorsoduro. Don't miss San Giorgio's bell tower, in my opinion.

The problem with "is something worth it" questions is they are so subjective. What one person may think is unmissable three others may think nothing of. On the other hand that could be the opposite for many other things.

I have no way knowing what the right answer is for you on any of these, especially Murano. You will have to look at your options and make decisions based on your own preferences. How important is hand blown glass and a lighthouse to you?

Hi Eileen,

On Murano, if you like to watch glass blowing, then Murano is interesting and if you do go, then see the museum, it is very nice. However, in our group of 6, Murano was not our favorite.

For restaurants, here are a few places that we enjoyed when we visited this past June.

• Rosa Salva: near St. Mark’s Square, 5 minute walk. We had a wonderful lunch here with a great choice of pasta, salads, sandwiches, and pastries. It not very expensive, small seating area, and a great bathroom. They are well known for their pastries. Here is the link to the website: http://www.rosasalva.it/it/rosa-salva/.
• Al Covo: special occasion restaurant with fresh and local ingredients. We had the most amazing fish, caught that day from the Adriatic. Great wine list and phenominal service. It is a 15 minute walk from St. Mark’s Square. Here is the link: https://ristorantealcovo.com. They require reservations.
• Rossopomdoro: the girls wanted pizza one night and I was skeptical about getting great Pizza in Venice. This place is a real treat, 24-hour slow rise crust, the freshest ingredients, great wine list, and salads/pastas if you don’t want pizza. Reasonably priced. My niece who hates red sauce absolute fell in love with their red sauce (no ranch required :). My husband’s big regret is that he didn’t purchase the cookbook as we could not get it in the US when we got back. They take reservations, but they are not required. Here is the link: http://www.rossopomodoro.it/ristoranti/VENEZIA/centro-storico#

Hope you have a great trip.
Sandy

Sorry but my tip for resturants would be to get as far away a possible from St Marks Square as possible.....

One other thing I forgot. There is a great food blogger Skye McAlpine that we used to help us in our trip planning. Here is the link.

http://www.frommydiningtable.com/secret-venice/

Sandy

Thank you all soo much for all the fabulous tips on Venice, Murano, and Restaurants.
Sandy, thanks so much for taking the time to share all that information. Safe travels.

Thank you all soo much for all the fabulous tips on Venice, Murano, and Restaurants.
Sandy, thanks so much for taking the time to share all that information. Safe travels.

Eileen,

Read Rick's advise on eating in Italy. It's VERY relevant to Venice. ...as far away from major attractions, no multilingual menus, no "front man" outside enticing tourists to come in, no "price-fixed" menu options. However, on the last one, I have found small family restaurants with price-fixed menus that were really good - the food was still really good and the portion sizes were more reasonable so you enjoy a primi and a secondi in a single meal... But a fixed-price menu in a tourist-trap spells disaster.

I would head for the Dorsoduro district as its off the tourist route and full of locals and university students. And its really only a 10 or 15 minute walk from San Marco.

As for Murano, I found the glass outlets to be somewhat of a tourist trap but I loved the quietness of the Island. The day I went, it was a great way of escaping the crushing crowds in the main lagoon area.

We went to Murano and Burano on a Sunday. Of the two, we preferred Burano for it's attractive buildings. Most shops are closed Sundays in both locations so I wouldn't recommend going to the islands on a Sunday. Much more to see/do in Venice proper.

Burano over Murano but there is no reason not to visit both. Eat as far away from St. Marks as your legs (and Vaporeto) will take you. We try to avoid that area. It's too dialed in for the tourists. Wander around in Rialto, Dorsoduro and Cannaregio areas and you'll be able to find some "local" food options.

Eat as far away from St. Marks ...

Yes - but after dinner take a stroll into St. Marks Square and listen to the music.

Hi
We were recently in Venice and I can recommend two very nice restaurants.

First one is near St Marks and it's name is Ristorante Al Conte Pescaor and the other one is in Rialto and its name is Da Mamo. This one opens at 7pm and is very popular, so would recommend getting there just before opening.

Enjoy.

Try a Chichetti Crawl! They are amazing. Our favorite sit down restaurant is Osteria al Portego. It is near San Marco but far enough away to miss the tourist prices.

If you sit at a restaurant on St. Marks to listen you will be charged per the song in addition to the drink. Standing is free.