Venice is always magical—but staying on Murano, its smaller, quieter sister island, adds an entirely different dimension to the experience. Our three-day trip was a perfect blend of history, art, food, and those moments of calm that you can only find when you step away from the main tourist routes. Here’s a detailed look at our itinerary, staying at the Hyatt Centric Murano Venice, a beautifully restored former glass kiln right on the water.

We arrived at Venice Marco Polo Airport at 9:20 AM and caught a water taxi directly to Murano. The ride takes about an hour and offers stunning first views of the lagoon. Hyatt Centric offers a complimentary shuttle service, but you can also catch the public vaporetto.

The hotel is perfectly located at the Murano Museo stop, making it easy to get into central Venice (about 25 minutes). Boats run frequently, every ~20 minutes from early morning until late evening.

A tip we quickly picked up: use the Apple or Google Maps “Transit” function to track vaporetto schedules in real time.

Day 1 – Murano & Burano

Morning:
We started with a stroll around Murano itself. The island is renowned for its glassmaking, and we stopped into the Murano Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro) as well as several small artisan shops. A highlight was the Church of San Pietro Martire, with its Renaissance artworks and peaceful interior.

Midday:
From Murano, we took the vaporetto to Burano, famous for its brightly painted houses and lace traditions.

Afternoon:
Back on Murano, we browsed more artisan glass shops and stopped for coffee near the Supermercato Coop. Right next door, Gelato di Natura served some of the creamiest pistachio gelato we’ve ever had, and Sottovento Café made for a cozy local hangout.

Evening:
Dinner was at Trattoria Valmarana, a lovely palazzo restaurant with chandeliers made of Murano glass. The risotto al nero di seppia (cuttlefish ink risotto) was unforgettable.

Other excellent dinner options in Murano include:

Ristorante Dalla Mora – intimate canal-side dining with Venetian classics
Ai Piantaleoni – romantic, serene, with seasonal seafood dishes
Trattoria Busa Alla Torre – rustic and relaxed, known for risotto di gò

Day 2 – Rialto, Gondola Ride & Hidden Gems

Morning:
After breakfast at the hotel, we caught the vaporetto from Murano Museo to Rialto Bridge. You can take either Line 4.1/4.2 with a transfer at Fondamente Nove (~35–40 minutes) or Line 3 directly (~45–50 minutes).

We explored the Rialto Bridge, pausing for photos of the Grand Canal, and walked through the Rialto Market.

Late Morning:
At 11:50 AM, we enjoyed a gondola ride starting near St. Mark’s Square. Gliding through the narrow canals and under bridges was a bucket-list experience.

Lunch Options:

Ristorante San Gallo – authentic, central, and surprisingly local
Rosa Salva – traditional pastries and light dishes for a quick stop
H2 NO – cicchetti-style small plates with natural wines

Afternoon:
Our highlight was Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, a tucked-away palazzo with a stunning spiral staircase and rooftop views. We also wandered through the quieter neighborhoods of Castello and Dorsoduro, stumbling upon hidden courtyards and artisan shops.

Evening:
We took in the sunset from San Giorgio Maggiore’s bell tower—a panoramic view of Venice without the crowds. Before returning to Murano, we stopped at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, home to Tintoretto’s monumental paintings.

Dinner was back on Murano, where evenings are wonderfully calm compared to Venice’s bustling streets.

Day 3 – San Marco & Venetian Icons

Morning:
After breakfast, we headed to Venice for our St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace tour. Starting early is essential to beat the crowds. The guided visit included not only the Basilica and Palace but also entry to cultural sites like the Correr Museum and Biblioteca Marciana.

Coffee Tip: Stop at Caffè Florian on St. Mark’s Square before your tour—it’s historic, atmospheric, and the perfect place to soak in the magic of Venice.

Lunch Options:

Cantina Canaletto – cozy and authentic, with house-made pasta
Trattoria Zaccaria Specialità Pesce – a seafood lover’s paradise near San Zaccaria
Osteria Da Bubi – praised for its genuine Venetian vibe

Afternoon:
We visited Santa Maria della Salute, a magnificent domed basilica on the Grand Canal, then wandered into the quirky Libreria Acqua Alta, where books spill out of bathtubs and gondolas.

Evening:
For our last night, we wandered through Cannaregio’s quieter streets before returning to Murano. Dinner was simple and relaxed, enjoyed canal-side with a final glass of prosecco.

Why Stay in Murano?

Murano turned out to be the perfect home base: close enough to Venice for all the must-sees, but far enough to escape the tourist crush at night. Having the vaporetto stop right outside the Hyatt Centric was incredibly convenient, and we loved the slower pace of the island. Between artisan glass, local cafés, and evenings by the water, it gave us a more intimate perspective of Venetian life.

Tip: Stock up at the Supermercato Coop for snacks and picnic supplies, and don’t miss Sottovento’s courtyard café—it’s where the locals go.

Three days gave us just the right balance of iconic sights and hidden treasures. From gondolas and grand palaces to quiet canals and colorful islands, Venice (and Murano) left us both enchanted and already dreaming of a return.