Planning a day trip from Venice with kids? Add a day trip to Murano, Burano, and Torcello to your itinerary. These three islands offer a fun change of pace from the main city. Each island has its own personality, and all are easily reached by vaporetto (Venice’s water bus). In this post, I’m sharing how we visited Burano, Torcello, and Murano over two days with our two kids – what we loved, what to expect, and what’s actually worth your time.
Originally, we planned to visit Murano, Burano, and Torcello all in one day as a single day trip from Venice. On paper, it made sense – the islands are close together, and the vaporetto routes connect them easily. But once you account for ferry timings, lunch stops, gelato breaks, and simply wandering, it quickly became clear that cramming all three into one day would be rushed and exhausting. So we split them across two days: Burano and Torcello together on Day 1, and Murano on its own the next morning.
How to Visit Murano, Burano & Torcello from Venice
The easiest way to reach all three islands is by vaporetto (public water bus). We walked to the Fondamente Nove stop in Venice and used Line 12, which runs between Venice and Burano. Boats run roughly every 30 minutes, and the journey to Burano takes about 40–45 minutes, stopping in Murano and Mazzorbo along the way.
Tip: We used the Citymapper app to plan our day trips from Venice, which worked surprisingly well for vaporetto times. I also cross-checked with CheBateo?, a local app specifically designed for Venice’s boat network.
How to use the Vaporetto (waterbus) in Venice:
- Always validate your ticket: When boarding a vaporetto, you’ll need to scan your ticket at the small electronic machines at the dock. This confirms your fare and activates your ride. Skipping this step can lead to hefty fines, even if you’ve paid.
- The service is run by ACTV: This is the main transport company operating Venice’s vaporetto network, connecting the city and the lagoon islands.
- Single tickets are pricey: A one-way ticket costs €9.50 (valid for 75 minutes), so if you’re planning multiple journeys, a multi-day pass will save you money.
- Consider a transport pass: ACTV offers 1-, 2-, 3-, or 7-day passes, which give you unlimited rides on vaporetti during the validity period. These can be purchased at ticket machines, vaporetto stops, or through third-party platforms like GetYourGuide here.
- Want more than just transport? The Venice City Pass might be a better deal. It includes vaporetto access plus entry to major sites like the Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, and over 25 museums and churches across the city.
Day Trip from Venice: Burano & Torcello
Burano – Venice’s Most Colourful Island
We arrived in Burano around 10:30 am on a Friday, and even though the island was already busy. As the vaporetto docked and we stepped onto the island, we were greeted by rows of houses painted every colour of the rainbow. According to local legend, fishermen painted their homes in bold colours so they could spot them from the lagoon through thick fog. We wandered slowly down Burano’s canals without any strict agenda, just soaking in the cheerful atmosphere. Laundry lines with fresh linens flapped between pink and purple homes. It felt laid-back and friendly, a nice break from the more crowded streets of Venice.
Burano is also known for its lace-making tradition, so we made a point to peek into a few lace shops. In one quiet store, an elderly woman sat near the doorway, her fingers deftly stitching a floral pattern on a lace handkerchief. It was mesmerizing to watch her work – such patience and skill. I saw some lovely lace bookmarks in the gift shops that would make beautiful keepsakes. The lace baby clothes were also absolutely adorable. We spent nearly four hours on the island and didn’t rush.
Lunch and Gelato
We had lunch at Da Romano, one of the island’s most well-known restaurants, with a long family history and a menu famous for its seafood risotto. We’d originally tried to book a table at Trattoria al Gatto Nero, which was full, but in the end, Da Romano turned out to be exactly what we needed: local food, relaxed service, and a table in the sun. The kids stuck with pasta, we ordered fish, and everyone left happy.
After lunch, we picked up gelato at Gelateria Crema, then walked next door to Panificio Pasticceria Palmisano, where we bought a bag of Bussolà. These are Burano’s signature butter cookies. The S-shaped ones are classic, but they also come in a round spiral shape. Rich, eggy, and just sweet enough, they’re great for snacking as you stroll.
We sat along the canal, gelato in hand, cookies in bag, watching boats pass under footbridges while the kids waved at passengers. No itinerary, no attractions—just one of those perfectly simple moments.
Boat to Torcello
In the afternoon, we hopped on vaporetto Line 9 for the 5-minute ride to Torcello, a quiet island that feels completely different from anywhere else in Venice. While only a handful of people live there today, Torcello was once the original settlement in the lagoon, dating back to Roman times. In its prime, it was home to over 20,000 people. Today, fewer than 20 people live on the island, and all that remains are a few key buildings. It’s a less popular day trip from Venice but if you have time to do it, I recommend it.
From the vaporetto stop, we followed the island’s only main path. The peaceful, canal-side walkway leads to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, originally founded in 639 AD and rebuilt in the 11th century. On the way, we came across a small playground tucked under the trees. It was shaded, quiet, and just what the kids needed to recharge. There’s even a nearby café with outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot for parents to relax with a coffee while keeping an eye on the action. Walking along the path we also came across the Ponte del Diavolo (“Devil’s Bridge”), a small stone bridge with no railings and a mysterious name. According to local legend, the devil built it in a single night. The kids were intrigued, and it made for a great little detour and photo op.
By the time we finished in Torcello, it was already 4:30pm, and we realised we wouldn’t have time to do Murano justice. Most of the glass factories close around 5pm, and we didn’t want to rush through them. So we decided to leave Murano for the next morning. We took the boat back to Burano, transferred lines, and enjoyed the 45-minute ride back to Venice, watching the sun dip low over the lagoon.
Day Trip from Venice: Murano
The next morning, we set out for Murano, the island long synonymous with glassmaking. Murano lies closer to Venice than Burano, only about a 15-20 minute vaporetto ride away. It’s a popular day trip from Venice, so don’t be surprised if it feels quite busy, even early in the morning.
In 1291, the Venetian Republic ordered all glassmakers to move their furnaces to Murano to reduce fire risk and to keep their techniques secret. It worked. Murano glass became world-famous, and today the island is still full of artisans, workshops, and glittering showrooms. Murano isn’t as postcard-perfect as Burano, but it has its own charm. The canals are wider, the buildings more subdued, but it’s great for browsing shops and seeing masters at work.
Glass Demonstrations
Our first goal was to see a glassblowing demonstration, since Murano is world-famous for its glassmaking. We didn’t prebook anything. We just walked to OMG (Original Murano Glass), a well-known glass studio near the lighthouse. Entry was €5 per person, and we were able to walk in without waiting for long.
The demonstration lasted about 15 minutes, with brief explanations in Italian and English. It wasn’t overly detailed or in-depth, but it was enough to give the kids a glimpse into the glassblowing process. The master glassblower handled the whole process with practiced ease. We watched in amazement as he gathered a blob of molten glass on the end of a long pipe, then rolled and blew and shaped it. In a matter of minutes, that orange blob transformed into a beautiful glass horse rearing up on its hind legs. After the demo, we exited through the gift shop (naturally). Countless Murano glass pieces like vases and ornate bowls were on display. While the pieces were beautiful, many were pricey and similar to what we’d already seen in smaller shops. Still, seeing the process in action made us appreciate the artistry behind it all.
Tip: OMG isn’t the only factory offering demonstrations—there are several others on the island. Shows run frequently, and many allow walk-ins, but if you want to secure a specific time, it’s worth booking OMG Workshop Glass Demonstration in advance.
Lunch and Glass Shopping
For lunch, we stumbled upon Ristorante alla Vecchia Pescheria, which had outdoor seating by the water and exactly the relaxed vibe we were after. Lunch was simple but satisfying with pizza, grilled vegetables, and spritzes for the adults.
In the afternoon, we continued exploring Murano, wandering along its canals and visiting more glass shops. I had my heart set on bringing home something made from real Murano glass. I chose a set of colourful glasses and a small vase, and paid around €30 for international shipping to Paris. Considering the fragility and speed of the service, I thought that was more than fair. Finally, we made our way to the Murano Faro stop (marked by its white lighthouse) to catch the vaporetto back to Venice.
Final Thoughts: Murano, Burano & Torcello with Kids
The three islands are popular day trips from Venice, so expect crowds and plenty of tourists. We liked Burano the most, followed by Murano and Torcello but each one was very different in its own way. If you’re visiting Venice with kids and looking for more ideas on what to do, check out my post Venice with Kids: What to See, Do and Skip in 4 Days.
I hope this article has been helpful to plan your day trip from Venice with kids or inspire you for your next family trip. If you’ve been to Venice, let me know what you thought of it.
Follow me on Instagram for more travel inspiration and ideas for places to visit with kids.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I receive a commission if you visit a link and buy something on my recommendation. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra, and I only recommend products and services I trust. All opinions are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details see my disclaimer and privacy policy.
