Morning in Murano – Exploring the Lagoon Islands During the Venice Carnival in Italy
On our third day in Venice Italy, we explored the Venetian Lagoon’s islands, Murano and Burano, and then admired the colorful carnival costumes parade in St. Mark’s square in the evening.
First we had breakfast at the hotel between 8.30 – 9.00 am, and then we headed to Ferrovia vaporetto stop and boarded Circolare No. 3 diretto Murano. We passed through Cannaregio Canal, also by Palazzo Labia and then got underneath Ponte delle Guglie and also underneath the Tre Archi bridge. In 30 minutes we finally arrived at Murano.
Find Hotels in Venice
Planning a Venice trip? Compare hotels and apartments in Venice and choose a convenient base for exploring St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the islands of the Venetian Lagoon.
Murano Island Sightseeing and Glass Art
At Murano we got off at the first stop – Colonna and then we headed onward north on Fondamenta dei Vetrai. We got to Campiello Michieli, where Chiesa di San Pietro Martire is situated on the same side of the canal. Just across the canal from St. Pietro Martire Church, over the bridge, there is Campo Santo Stefano with its Cometa di Vetro and also Torre dell’Orologio, which you can see in the following pictures.
Also, see the map of the itinerary here, day 3 map.
Then in the next picture you can see Chiesa di San Pietro Martire.
Afterwards we crossed back the bridge to Fondamenta dei Vetrai and continued further north. We eventually reached a larger canal and also a bridge – Ponte Longo.
See pictures from the bridge below.
Travel Essentials for Exploring Venice
These practical items can make a full day of sightseeing around Venice more comfortable.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Useful for long sightseeing days and Venice’s many bridges.
View on AmazonDiscovering Murano Landmarks and the Glass Museum
Then we crossed Ponte Longo and turned to the right on Riva Longa that leads to the city center.
Then we arrived at the Glass Museum – Museo del Vetro, located within the Palazzo Giustinian. Also the visit to this museum was included in the price of Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card.
Here are some pictures of the interior. However, the visit didn’t take long.
Discover Murano’s Glassmaking Tradition
Murano is famous for its centuries-old glassmaking heritage. Experience a glass-blowing demonstration and discover how skilled artisans transform molten glass into beautiful creations.
Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato – Spiritual Heritage of Murano
Then we went further on Fondamenta Giustinian, and got to Campo San Donato where there is Basilica S. Maria e Donato.
We went back the same way on Fondamenta Giustinian, then on Riva Longa. From a shop on Riva Longa we bought a beautiful original Venetian Mask. Then we continued the way to reach Campo Santo Stefano, and then we went on Fondamenta Manin.
Travel Essentials for Murano & Burano
Exploring the Venetian Lagoon means hopping on boats, walking along canals and stopping for photos. A lightweight crossbody bag keeps your phone, tickets, wallet and other daily essentials close at hand.
From Murano to Burano – A Colorful Journey
From Fondamanta Manin we turned left on Calle Bressagio, before reaching the Ponte del Mezzo, and then kept forward on Calle Bressagio till we reached the Lagoon. There is the ACTV Line 12 stop – Faro in the direction of Burano.
So the trip to Burano would take 40 minutes.
Explore Murano & Burano by Boat
Discover Murano’s famous glassmaking tradition and Burano’s colorful canals on a boat excursion from Venice. Compare available tours and find an experience that suits your itinerary.
Discovering the Colorful Streets of Burano and Lunch in a Piazza
Then in Burano, from the ACTV stop we walked on the San Mauro dock and then down Via San Mauro. Then, at the crossroads we kept right on Viale Marcello until we got to a canal. We then continued right along the canal on Fondamenta di Cavanella in order to admire the colorful houses.
Capture the Colorful Islands of Venice
From Murano’s glass workshops to Burano’s brightly painted houses, there are plenty of photo opportunities. A compact phone tripod or Bluetooth shutter can help you capture travel memories and group photos.
In fact, these famous fisherman’s houses are painted in all colors, which is what makes Burano so unique.
Eventually, we arrived at a square filled with several restaurants. So we decided to stop for lunch at SUZO restaurant.
Discover Restaurants in Venice
Planning a trip to Venice? Discover charming canal-side restaurants, traditional Venetian trattorias, fresh seafood, and authentic Italian cuisine.
Explore dining options and find a lovely place to enjoy Venetian specialities during your visit to the City of Canals.
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We then leisurely strolled around Tre Ponti Bridge, enjoying views of the lagoon stretching out in the distance.
Then we returned along the canal to the point where it turns right; from there, the street becomes Fondamenta S. Mauro.
In Burano, as well as in Venice you can discover some very narrow streets.
As you walk along the canal, you’ll notice many souvenir shops, pastry shops, and also restaurants lining the way.
Exploring Piazza Baldassarre Galupi – Heart of Burano Island
We continued on Fondamenta S. Mauro along the Canal, passed by a bridge and when we arrived at a second bridge, we could already see the tower of the duomo of Burano in the distance. After crossing the bridge, we proceeded along Via Baldassare Galupi, which eventually brought us to the heart of the island – Piazza Baldassare Galupi – where we found both the Basilica San Martino and the Museo del Merletto.
The Duomo (Cathedral) di San Martino has a leaning bell tower called Oratorio di Santa Barbara.
Below you can see the large Piazza Baldassare Galupi.
The island of Burano is famous for the lace made here for more than 500 years. In Piazza Baldassare Galupi, you’ll find the Museo del Merletto – the Lace Museum – and also the Lace School. Moreover, we enjoyed the advantage of free entry and the ability to skip the queues, all thanks to our Museum Passes and Rolling Venice Cards.
Moreover, from the piazza you can see the Lagoon in the distance.
Coming from the East there is another canal which flows into the lagoon.
First, we strolled a little along the canal on Riva dei Santi, and then continued along the shore of the lagoon, called Fondamenta del Pizzo.
Inside the Lace Museum – Burano Tradition and Craftsmanship
Then back in the piazza, we entered the museum.
We admired valuable lace exhibits, clothes, drawings and also photographs. Within the Lace Museum there still functions a Lace School and during the tour we could see at work some ladies that mastered the lace-making craft.
Discover Burano’s Traditional Lace Making
Inspired by our visit to Burano’s Lace School? Explore a guided boat tour from Venice that combines Murano’s glassmaking heritage with Burano’s traditional lace craftsmanship. Depending on the selected option, you can see a lace-making demonstration and enjoy time to browse local shops for souvenirs.
Afterwards, we returned to the vaporetto stop following the same itinerary. Along the way, near a bridge, we paused in order to admire a charming cat posing for the visitors of Burano.
Explore Murano & Burano by Boat
Discover Murano’s famous glassmaking tradition and Burano’s colorful canals on a boat excursion from Venice. Compare available tours and find an experience that suits your itinerary.
Returning to Venice – Passing San Michele Island and Finding Hidden Corners of Venice
Finally, we boarded Line 12 to Venice, heading toward the Fondamente Nove stop. The trip took about an hour. Along the way, we also passed by the island of San Michele, which serves as a cemetery divided into various sections: Catholics, Greek Orthodox, and Protestants. Notably, the graves in the Catholic section are well maintained and beautifully decorated. They are displayed vertically, with ladders placed to help visitors reach the graves at the top.
We arrived at Fondamente Nove and decided to walk the streets of Castello, instead of taking Circolare 4.1 to San Zaccaria stop in St. Mark’s square.
Eventually we managed to find Ramo Varisco – the narrowest street that is only 53 centimeters wide.
Discovering Castello and San Zanipolo – Historic Venice Sights
Then we got to Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo in Venetian dialect). It is situated at the border between sestieri Cannaregio and Castello.
Then we had the chance to meet one of the cats of Venice on the narrow streets of Castello sestiere.
Explore Venice on a Guided Walking Tour
Discover hidden streets, historic squares and the lesser-known corners of Venice. A local guide can help you learn more about the Castello district, Venetian history and the city’s maritime heritage.
The Venetian Arsenal and Maritime Heritage
And then we got to Campo de l’ Arsenal; see the picture below.
The Venetian Arsenal is an imposing building and features several lions that decorate its entrance. However, the interior cannot be visited.
The Padiglione della Navi is located on the Fondamenta Arsenale, just after crossing the bridge from the Arsenale di Venezia. At that time, however, the Museo Storico Navale di Venezia (Naval & Maritime History Museum) was closed for restoration. Only Padiglione della Navi, hosting an exhibition of gondolas could be visited, but we arrived at the closing time so we weren’t able to visit.
We then continued our itinerary on Fondamenta Arsenale.
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Exploring Venice involves plenty of walking across bridges, along narrow streets and around historic squares. Comfortable shoes with good grip can make a long day of sightseeing much easier.
Strolling Toward St. Mark’s Square Along Riva degli Schiavoni – Venice, Italy Carnival Views
Finally, we arrived at the Arsenale vaporetto stop, from where we could clearly see Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore across St. Mark’s Basin.
Afterwards we strolled on toward St. Mark’s square.
Riva degli Schiavoni is Venice’s most famous promenade, situated just off San Marco square. This is also where Venetians traditionally like to stroll after lunch or dinner. The promenade is stretching forward East till Giardini della Biennale under other names: Riva Ca’ di Dio, Riva S. Biasio and then Riva dei Sette Martiri.
Experience a Traditional Venice Gondola Ride
Discover Venice from its canals on a traditional gondola ride. Compare shared and private experiences and choose a route that fits your visit.
Evening in St. Mark’s Square – Venice, Italy Carnival Costumes
Upon returning to St. Mark’s Square, we met lots of costumed people. Meanwhile, the square was bustling with tourists that afternoon. See in the following gallery some nice carnival costumes.
Discover the Best of Venice
Make more of your Venice visit with guided walking tours, historic landmarks and local experiences. Compare available activities, prices and dates before booking.
In St. Mark’s Square, it is forbidden to feed the pigeons; however, there are still people doing it anyway.
Next, please enjoy another collection of Carnival costumes we had the chance to photograph.
Night in Cannaregio – Dining and Local Life During the Venice Carnival in Italy
Afterwards, we headed towards our accommodation, walking through Cannaregio. Along the way, we passed through the narrow Mercerie streets, which were full of shops and restaurants. We then got to Strada Nova, stretching all the way between the train station Santa Lucia and Rialto Bridge. Strada Nova is wider then the other streets, but it’s even fuller of shops and restaurants, bars, pizzerias, trattorias, osterias and any other places where one can eat. There are souvenir shops, but also shops used by the locals. Finally, we had dinner in Cannaregio, in a restaurant close to Santa Lucia.
Find Accommodation in Cannaregio
Cannaregio offers restaurants, shops and convenient access to Venice Santa Lucia railway station. Compare hotels and apartments in the area to find accommodation that suits your itinerary and budget.
Below you can see a nice Venetian Masks shop.
Also, along the way, we met somebody wearing an interesting Carnival costume and we took a picture.
Discover Restaurants in Venice
Planning a trip to Venice? Discover charming canal-side restaurants, traditional Venetian trattorias, fresh seafood, and authentic Italian cuisine.
Explore dining options and find a lovely place to enjoy Venetian specialities during your visit to the City of Canals.
Explore Restaurants in Venice ?Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. I may earn a commission if you make a qualifying booking through this link, at no additional cost to you.
The streets of Cannaregio are full of people at evening, looking for a place to have dinner. In fact, this sestiere is very popular both with tourists and locals, given that the prices in this area are reasonable.
Keep Your Phone Charged During Venice Carnival
Between taking photos of Carnival costumes, checking maps and looking up vaporetto routes, your phone can run low on battery. A compact power bank is a useful companion for a full day exploring Venice.
Souvenirs and Venetian Masks – Ending the Day at the Venice Carnival in Italy
Just by the train station we met a couple dressed somewhat funny. Their clothes were for Carnival, but maybe not a Venetian Carnival.
We got to our hotel room after another full day.
The most common souvenirs to buy during a trip to Venice are of course the Venetian masks, especially the original crafted ones. We managed to find a superb original Venetian mask, a bauta type, made of paper mache. It is a man mask, a cat mask. See it below. We found it in a shop in Murano and it only costed around 11 euros.
Plan Your Venice & the Lagoon Trip
Planning a trip to Venice? From the historic streets and romantic canals to Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, Murano, Burano and the Venetian Lagoon, there is plenty to explore. Here are travel resources and practical essentials to help you plan your adventure in northern Italy.
Find Hotels in Venice
Venice is a wonderful base for exploring northern Italy. Staying in the city gives you access to historic attractions, restaurants, canals and transport connections to the islands of the Venetian Lagoon.
Choose from hotels in the historic centre, accommodation near Santa Lucia Station or properties in quieter areas. Compare locations and prices before booking your stay.
Explore Venice on a Walking Tour
Discover Venice on foot as you wander through narrow lanes, cross picturesque bridges and admire historic churches and charming squares. A guided tour can help you learn more about Venetian history, architecture and local traditions.
Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace
St. Mark’s Square is one of Venice’s most famous landmarks. Admire the magnificent basilica, explore the surrounding historic buildings and visit Doge’s Palace to learn about the city’s former political and maritime power.
Book ahead when possible, especially during busy periods, and check the ticket details for the attractions you want to visit.
Experience Venetian Food
Discover the flavours of Venice, from cicchetti and fresh seafood to risotto, traditional pasta and delicious pastries. Stop at a local bacaro for small Venetian bites, or join a food tour to sample regional specialities while exploring the city.
Discover Murano and Burano
Take a boat trip across the Venetian Lagoon to Murano, known for its glassmaking traditions, and Burano, famous for its colourful houses and lace-making heritage. These islands offer a lovely change of pace from the busy streets of central Venice.
Check departure points, island stops and the amount of free time included before choosing a tour.
Enjoy a Gondola Ride in Venice
A gondola ride offers a memorable way to see Venice’s canals, historic facades and small bridges from the water. You can also compare other boat tours around the Grand Canal and Venetian Lagoon.
Check the duration, departure location and whether the ride is private or shared before booking.
Venice Travel Essentials
Venice involves plenty of walking over bridges, along cobbled lanes and through busy squares. These practical travel essentials can help you stay comfortable, organised and ready for days of sightseeing.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Choose supportive shoes for long days exploring Venice’s lanes, bridges and historic sights.
Passport Holder
Keep your passport, cards and travel documents together when moving between airports, trains and hotels.
Portable Power Bank
Keep your phone charged for maps, photos, digital tickets and travel information throughout the day.
Universal Travel Adapter
A compact adapter helps you charge your phone, camera and other electronics during your trip.
Reusable Water Bottle
Carry water while exploring the city and take a refillable bottle on day trips around the lagoon.
Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag
A crossbody bag keeps your phone, wallet and daily essentials close while navigating crowded tourist areas.
Compression Packing Cubes
Organise your clothes and make better use of suitcase space, especially if your itinerary includes several destinations.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
A phone pouch can help protect your device from splashes during boat trips around the Venetian Lagoon.
Lightweight Foldable Backpack
Carry a water bottle, camera, light jacket and other day-trip essentials in a compact backpack.
Luggage Tags
Identify your suitcase easily when travelling by plane or train. Choose a durable tag that protects your personal details.
Cable Organiser
Keep charging cables, USB adapters and small electronics organised in one compact case.
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Exploring Venice and the Lagoon
Venice rewards slow exploration. Take your time wandering through the historic streets, crossing small bridges, admiring the canals and stopping for Venetian specialities along the way.
Plan time for St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and the islands of Murano and Burano. Each offers a different perspective on the city’s history, art and lagoon culture.
Where to Eat in Venice
Discover restaurants in Venice, from traditional bacari and authentic trattorias to seafood restaurants and cozy cafés. Try cicchetti, fresh seafood, risotto and other Venetian specialities while experiencing the city’s distinctive food culture.
You can also look for dining options on Murano and Burano for a meal during your lagoon island visit.
Planning Your Own Venice Adventure?
Start planning your trip to Venice and explore its historic streets, famous landmarks, canals and lagoon islands. Combine sightseeing with a food tour, a gondola ride or a boat trip to Murano and Burano.
With the right accommodation, tours and travel essentials, you can make the most of your time in Venice.
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Read On
Make sure to check out Our Venice Carnival Italy Visit – Day 4 to continue exploring — from hidden corners to grand vistas, there’s much more to discover. You can find all our posts about Venice on this page. Also, for more inspiration and practical tips on visiting Italy, grab our maps and travel guides and head over to our Italy Travel Hub and Italy Bucket List — your starting point for all things Italian! Want to discover more? Don’t miss our posts about Lake Como, Milan and Bergamo!
Thanks for reading!
Table of contents
- Morning in Murano – Exploring the Lagoon Islands During the Venice Carnival in Italy
- From Murano to Burano – A Colorful Journey
- Returning to Venice – Passing San Michele Island and Finding Hidden Corners of Venice
- Discovering Castello and San Zanipolo – Historic Venice Sights
- The Venetian Arsenal and Maritime Heritage
- Strolling Toward St. Mark’s Square Along Riva degli Schiavoni – Venice, Italy Carnival Views
- Evening in St. Mark’s Square – Venice, Italy Carnival Costume s
- Night in Cannaregio – Dining and Local Life During the Venice Carnival in Italy
- Souvenirs and Venetian Masks – Ending the Day at the Venice Carnival in Italy
- Read On
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Day 3: Murano, Burano & Venice Carnival Highlights
Related:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Day 3: Murano, Burano & Venice Carnival Highlights
1. What was the main plan for Day 3 in Venice?
On Day 3, we explored two of the Venetian Lagoon islands — Murano and Burano — before returning to Venice to enjoy Carnival costumes and crowds in Piazza San Marco in the evening.
2. How did you reach Murano from Venice?
We took a vaporetto (Circolare No. 3) from the Ferrovia stop — the scenic 30-minute ride runs through the Cannaregio Canal past landmarks like Palazzo Labia and under Ponte delle Guglie.
3. What’s special about Murano?
Murano is famous worldwide for its glassmaking tradition. We walked along Fondamenta dei Vetrai, visited Chiesa di San Pietro Martire, and then stopped at the Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) where we saw stunning glass exhibits and also glass-blowing displays.
4. Did you visit a museum on Murano?
Yes — the Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro), included with our Venezia Unica Museum Pass + Rolling Venice Card, offered fascinating insights into Murano’s glass artistry and history.
5. How did you get from Murano to Burano?
From Murano’s Faro stop, we took ACTV Line 12 vaporetto to Burano, a roughly 40-minutes trip across the lagoon.
6. What makes Burano so notable?
Burano is famous for its vibrantly painted houses and also charming canals. We walked along Fondamenta di Cavanella, then enjoyed lunch in one of the waterside eateries, and soaked up the island’s cheerful atmosphere.
7. What did you see in Burano’s town center?
In the heart of the island at Piazza Baldassare Galupi, we visited Basilica San Martino and also the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto) — a nice place to learn about Burano’s centuries-old lace-making tradition.
Tips:
8. What was unique about your return trip to Venice?
On the way back, we passed San Michele Island (the lagoon cemetery), then disembarked at Fondamente Nove and walked through the Castello district in order to discover Venice’s narrowest street Ramo Varisco.
9. What historic sights did you explore in Venice later?
We visited Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo) and then the Arsenale area, learning about Venice’s maritime heritage before strolling back toward Piazza San Marco along Riva degli Schiavoni, Venice’s famous promenade.
10. What was the Carnival experience like in St. Mark’s Square?
Upon returning to Piazza San Marco, we saw many Carnival costumes and festive visitors — a highlight of the day, especially with Venice’s famous masquerade atmosphere late in the afternoon and early evening.
11. Where did you have dinner?
After the festivities, we walked back through Cannaregio, with its lively streets of shops and eateries, and enjoyed dinner near Santa Lucia train station, a popular area with both locals and tourists.
12. Any souvenirs or special finds?
During our travels, we picked up a beautiful original Venetian mask from Murano, therefore a perfect keepsake from Carnival.
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