Last Updated on September 24, 2026 by George Pavlopoulos
Burano, Venice’s lace island, is one of Italy’s most picturesque places to visit. Known for its colorful houses and long lace-making tradition, Burano attracts thousands of visitors each year. Due to its proximity to Venice, the tiny island is ideal for a day trip if you’re visiting the floating city. Of course, there are plenty of things to do in Burano, and this travel guide covers it all.
Below, you will find some of Burano’s must-see locations, along with info and my photos. Moreover, you’ll also discover how you can easily reach the island from Venice and find answers to some frequently asked questions about Burano. Lastly, if you want to spend a night on the island, I’ll suggest accommodations with a local flair to elevate your island experience.
So, let’s start with the Burano Island travel guide and the best things you can find on its colorful streets.
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The best things to do in Burano
I visited Burano twice, and I can assure you there’s no sightseeing stress here. Visiting smaller places means that there’s time to see things, feel them, understand them, and enjoy the life they offer. That said, although there’s plenty to see in Burano, no itinerary to Venice’s Lace Island will be exhaustive. So even if you spend just half a day on the island, you’ll get a good impression of its beauty.
So, here are my Burano must-dos.
Visit the Burano Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto)
The island’s lace-making tradition made Burano world-famous. Although it’s no longer the island’s primary industry (tourism is), Burano lace is still popular with visitors and locals alike. I’m pretty sure no traveler to Burano will head straight after arriving at the Lace Museum, but I added it first to highlight its significance.
You can find the Museo del Merletto on the island’s main square, the Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi. The building housing the museum is an architectural gem: the Palace of Podestà of Torcello was home to the iconic Burano Lace School for almost a century (1872-1970). Although it’s a relatively compact palace, its history and significance extend beyond the island’s borders.
Strolling through the Museo del Merletto is pure joy, even if you don’t have a genuine interest in lace-making. You’ll come across various lace designs and artifacts from an era that feels more distant than it really is. In addition to portraits of the island, you’ll see lace dresses and paintings that show how the lace industry has developed.
I highly recommend adding the museum to your Burano itinerary, even if it is the last place to visit on the island. To avoid long queues, you can purchase a ticket for the Lace Museum here. It’s valid for the whole day, and you don’t have to choose a time slot.
Admire the colorful houses of Burano Island
That’s actually the main reason each of us decides to visit Burano Island. We have all seen numerous photos of the island’s colorful houses, and we come to its welcoming shores for exactly that: admiring garlands of brightly painted houses and taking photographs of them. Sooner or later, the camera roll will fill up: although it’s nearly impossible to photograph every house, most travelers will try.
The brightly painted houses of Burano aren’t simply a local extravaganza. According to the Municipality of Venice, the tradition of painting houses in different colors is relatively recent and originally helped define property boundaries.
However, as often happens on islands, there’s also a much better story. According to local tradition, fishermen painted their houses in bright colors so they could recognize them through the thick winter fog when returning from the lagoon.
And then there’s my favorite version. Another legend claims that fishermen had a thing for alcohol and occasionally struggled to find the right house after a couple of glasses. Their wives supposedly tied a piece of fabric matching the house’s color around their arms to help them find their way home. Whether any fisherman was actually saved from entering the wrong house remains unknown.
What is certain is that the colors eventually became Burano’s trademark. Their architecture is plain, and it doesn’t compare to iconic cities like Siena or Florence. Most are two-story houses, and their down-to-earth look is exactly what makes them charming.
Stop at the most photogenic spots
I shot hundreds of photos in Burano, and I bet you’ll too. So, building on the previous travel tip, I’ll share the three most photogenic spots on the island. Although you can just raise your camera (or smartphone) anywhere and click to get an excellent result, I wanted to share my favorite spots on the island. From there, you can get great perspectives and capture the island’s beauty in a single photo.
For your convenience, each of the following links opens in Google Maps. You can save them and add them to your Burano itinerary. So, the most photogenic spots in Burano are:
Tre Ponti Bridge. It’s one of Burano’s most famous bridges, and you’ll have a wonderful chain of colorful houses stretching to the horizon. See the Tre Ponti Bridge on Google Maps.
The Wander Bridge. The second bridge on this list feels plainer but offers equally stunning views. See the Wander Bridge on Google Maps.
Casa di Bepi Suà. The house of Giuseppe “Bepi” Suà is one of Burano’s most colorful houses and a must-see spot. Apart from its bright facade, it features various geometric shapes. Bepi used to screen movies on a white sheet in front of the house. See the Casa di Bepi Suà on Google Maps.
See the Leaning Tower of Burano
Yes, you’ve read that right. Burano has its own leaning tower, and although it won’t compare to Pisa’s, it’s definitely charming and worth stopping by. The Church of San Martino Vescovo is one of the island’s landmarks, and you can see it from almost anywhere.
The Church of San Martino Vescovo took its current form between the 16th and 17th centuries, while its leaning bell tower is one of Burano’s most recognizable landmarks. Inside the church, you’ll also find Giambattista Tiepolo’s Crucifixion, painted in 1725.
Oddly enough, the church has no front-street door, and you can access it only through a small side door.
See and be seen at Piazza Galuppi
Piazza Galuppi is the epicenter of local life and where most people stop for shopping or lunch. It’s the only square in Burano -and that’s where the Lace Museum is. Its name comes from Baldassare Galuppi, the emblematic composer and one of the island’s most famous sons. Due to its origin, you’ll also find him written as “Buranello.” To commemorate him, there’s a statue in the square’s middle.
Piazza Galuppi stays busy all day, and stopping there for lunch or lace shopping is a must. It’s also the only spot in Burano with open space to stroll around.
Burano travel tip: In Piazzetta
There are plenty of places to unwind at Piazza Galuppi, and in most, you’ll find the famous Burano Biscuits, the so-called Bussolà Buranello. However, the place that stole my heart was In Piazzetta. Located right in the square -and offering some shade on a sunny day- this small snack bar serves delicious Cicchetti. Small snacks accompany drinks, and the ones with cod were delicious. Grab an Aperol Spritz, order a selection of Cicchetti, and enjoy the square’s vibe one sip at a time.
Join a Burano guided tour
Despite its fame among travelers, much of its history remains unnoticed. Moreover, the island lacks guided tours, making it harder to explore its history in depth. However, over the last couple of years, Sylvia, a local guide, has offered organized tours to people who want to learn more about the colorful island.
What makes this walking tour unique is that you can see a lace demonstration up close and understand how it’s created. The tour guide will also take you to the island’s most famous locations, including the Church of St. Martino and St. Barbara and, of course, the famous leaning bell tower. This Burano tour lasts approximately 80 minutes and costs 45 euros per person.
You can book this fantastic island tour here.
How to get to Burano from Venice
After sharing the best things to do in Burano, it’s time actually to see how you can reach the island. Getting to Burano from Venice is easy, and in my opinion, the best way is by Vaporetto. There are also organized tours offering day trips to Murano, Burano, and Torcello, but I think it’s better to save your money for something else unless you’re in a rush. The tours are fine, but they cost money, and since Venice is a pricey destination, I’d rather save money for the Burano tour I mentioned above or a Vaporetto Pass.
Anyway, let’s break down every option for traveling between Burano and Venice.
Get to Burano from Venice by Vaporetto
The Vaporetto* (the public water buses) will be your best friend in Venice. They go to every island in the lagoon, and despite their steep price (almost 10 euros for a ride!), they are the best way to get around. To make the most of the Vaporetto and save money, I suggest buying a Vaporetto Pass here; it gives you unlimited access to public water buses and includes Murano and Burano.
To get from Venice to Burano by Vaporetto, you have the following options:
Vaporetto Line 12. It starts from Fondamente Nove and stops at Murano before reaching Burano. Most people take this route because it lets you visit both islands. The journey between Venice and Burano takes approximately 45 minutes.
Vaporetto Line 14. This one takes slightly longer because it starts from S. Zaccaria, calls at Lido, and then heads toward Burano. Expect about an hour-long journey, but S. Zaccaria is close to Saint Mark’s Square, so you can combine the two.
If you’re wondering, yes, there’s night service between Burano and Venice, but expect less frequent Vaporettos. Finally, Vaporetto Line 9 connects Burano to the nearby island of Torcello, known for its Byzantine architecture.
*If you want to learn more about the Venice water bus system, you can read my comprehensive Vaporetto guide.
Get to Burano from Venice on a guided tour
As I wrote earlier, you can also visit Burano from Venice by booking an organized tour. The tours usually stop at Murano, and some of them visit the small island of Torcello. I think these tours are great for people with only one day to spend in Venice because they show you the islands’ highlights. So, if that’s you, then check them out. Please note that both tours featured below are not private; you’ll share the boats with fellow travelers.
Murano and Burano Islands Tour. As the name suggests, this guided tour takes you by boat to both islands. In Murano, you will attend a glass-making demonstration, while in Burano, you’ll see how lace is made. This compact tour lasts about five hours and costs 42 euros per person. You can book the two Venetian Islands Tour here.
Murano, Burano and Torcello Tour. This tour takes you by boat to three famous islands in the Venice Lagoon: Murano, Burano, and Torcello. A glass-making demonstration in Murano is definitely the tour’s highlight, but visiting the other two islands will give you a good glimpse of Venetian life. Moreover, the tour lasts 6 hours and costs 25 euros per person. You can book the tour to Venice’s three islands here.
Where to stay in Burano
Although it’s not the most obvious choice for finding accommodation in Venice, many people choose Burano as their base. That’s because life is quieter on the northern side of the lagoon, and you can have the whole island for yourself when the day-trippers depart.
If it’s your first time in Venice or you have just 2-3 days in the city, I wouldn’t recommend staying in Burano. It feels too far from Venice, and you’ll miss the chance to explore it properly.
However, if you are a returning visitor to Venice or have plenty of days in the region, staying in Burano for a few nights can be a fantastic experience. Waking up on a colorful, quiet island and seeing Venice’s skyline is a majestic experience. Plus, although the accommodations aren’t much cheaper than in downtown Venice, you will definitely get a nicer, spacier room.
So, here are the best places to stay in Burano.
The best accommodations in Burano
Casa degli Artisti. This wonderful accommodation in Burano features views of the colorful houses and has a terrace, two bedrooms, and a living room. Moreover, this property has a garden which you are welcome to enjoy. See prices and availability for Casa degli Artisti.
Venissa Wine Resort. It’s one of the few resorts in the area, located in Mazzorbo, a sister island to Burano; however, you won’t need a Vaporetto to reach Burano because there’s a bridge, and it only takes five minutes to get there. What makes Venissa stand out is that vineyards surround it, and the rooms come with parquet floors and air conditioning. It also offers a daily breakfast buffet, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and the option to buy its own wine. See prices and availability for Venissa Wine Resort.
Pink Paradise. Finally, if staying in one of the colorful houses is a must, Pink Paradise ticks this box. You can rent a picturesque house for your stay, and it also has a nice garden to unwind. The house has a bedroom and a bathroom, plus a patio with canal views. See prices and availability for Pink Paradise.
Use the interactive map below to view all other accommodation options in Burano and Venice.
FAQ about Burano
In the final section of this Burano travel guide, you’ll find answers to some frequently asked questions. If you don’t see a reply here, please comment at the bottom of this post, and I’ll do my best to assist you.
Is it worth visiting Burano?
Absolutely. The colorful houses, the lace-making tradition, and the delicious food make Burano a must-see. It is a fantastic place to spend one day on your journey to Venice. And if you’re keen on exploring its story, you can even consider spending a few nights there.
Can locals paint their houses any color they want?
Actually no. Although you’ll see all the colors of the rainbow on the facades of Burano, people can’t choose the color they want freely. If someone wants to change their home’s color, they must submit a request to the government. A specific set of colors can be used. The law is strict, and that’s how the island keeps its colorful style.
What is the population of Burano?
Burano is currently home to almost 3,000 people.
Which is better, Murano or Burano?
Both locations are charming, and I find such comparisons unfair. Murano is famous for glassmaking, while Burano is known for its colorful houses and lace-making tradition. You should visit both islands because they are equally beautiful and famous.
How much time do you need in Burano?
You can see the island in just a couple of hours. Most people combine Murano and Burano on a day trip. However, if you’d like to explore places like the Old Fish Market, visit the Lace Museum at a slower pace, or simply stay after the day-trippers leave, you can easily spend most of the day there.
Can I pay by card?
Yes, cards are widely accepted on the island. However, it’s always good to have some cash on hand. That’s a small island, and the last thing you want is to be unable to purchase lace or other souvenirs.
Is Burano usually packed?
Tourists visit Burano year-round, so yes, you should expect crowds even off-season. The best option to avoid the crowds is to visit it very early in the morning. Or, spend a night there and marvel at its beauty at night.
What is Burano famous for?
Burano is famous for its lace-making tradition and colorful houses. These are the two main reasons travelers add it to their bucket lists.
Things to do in Burano: Final Thoughts
Burano is one of the prettiest places you’ll find in Italy. Although it’s just under an hour from Venice, the tiny island deserves a visit. Burano’s colorful houses will fascinate every traveler, while the lace-making tradition offers a window into local life. Despite its size, Burano offers plenty to do to keep you occupied all day, and as you’ve read, it has plenty of landmarks and iconic spots.
I highly recommend visiting Burano if you’re on this side of Italy. It’s not just for the photos. The island is a paradise to wander around, and if Venice’s crowds are too much, here’s everything about the sea and rainbow colors. Take a vaporetto and enjoy the ride from Venice to Burano. And don’t forget to try the delicious biscuits locals make.
More about Venice: How to book a gondola in Venice, How to plan a Venice itinerary, Ponte dell’Accademia, Lido guide
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