Destinations > Europe > Italy > Venice
Destination:
Venice
- Overview
- Basics
- Getting Ready
- Don't Miss
- Best Hotels
- Best Restaurants
- What To Buy
- Strategies
- Getting Around
- Explore By Area
- Key Events
- Monthly Calendar
- Contacts
The Lagoon Islands
The islands of the Venetian lagoons make a welcome change from the crowded city. I recommend taking a relaxing private boat tour of the three islands, but you can split your visits into several day trips if you prefer. Murano can be reached in a matter of minutes - Burano and Torcello are further out, but worth the ride.
topMurano
Murano has been a glassmaking center since 1291. Glassblowing demonstrations are the main attraction here, along with the beautiful glass items for sale. Keep in mind, most furnaces are closed Saturday and Sunday.
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Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum)
Fondamenta Guistinian 8, Murano, Venice
+39 041 739 586
Apr-Oct Thu-Tue 10am-5pm; Nov-Mar Thu-Tue 10am-4pm
This is Italy's only glass museum, with a splendid collection of antique objects, some dating from Roman times.
topBurano
Brightly painted houses line the waterways of Burano. Lacemaking is the main industry here, and the main street features a number of stalls selling lace and linens.
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Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum)
Piazza Galuppi 187, Burano, Venice
+39 041 730 034
Apr-Oct Wed-Mon 10am-5pm; Nov-Mar 10am-4pm
Fine antique lace is on display here; at the school next door, visitors can watch Buranese lacemakers at work.
topTorcello
The most ancient settlement in Venice, dating to 5th century, Torcello was once a thriving colony. The basilica, founded in 639, stands as a reminder of former glories.
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Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta
+39 041 521 2362
Mar-Oct 10:30am-6pm daily; Nov-Mar 10am-6pm daily
Visitors to this Byzantine cathedral are rewarded with superb mosaics and a fantastic view from the bell tower.
Locanda Cipriani Restaurant
Piazza S. Fosca 29, Torcello, Venice
+39 041 730 150
Closed Tue
Closed Jan
Reservations needed
Reservations: booking@locandacipriani.com
Next to Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta
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