Burano

Burano Review

Cheerfully painted houses line the canals of this quiet village where lace making rescued a faltering fishing-based economy centuries ago. As you walk the 100 yards from the dock to Piazza Galuppi, the main square, you pass stall after stall of lace vendors. These good-natured ladies won't press you with a hard sell, but don't expect precise product information or great bargains—authentic, handmade Burano lace costs $1,000 to $2,000 for a 10-inch doily.

The Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) lets you marvel at the intricacies of Burano's lace making. At this writing, the museum is closed for renovations, with plans to reopen in 2011. The museum will likely continue to host a "sewing circle" of sorts, where on most weekdays you can watch local women carrying on the lace-making tradition. They may have authentic pieces for sale privately. Piazza Galuppi 187, 30012. 041/730034. €4.50, Museums of San Marco Plus Pass €13 (Apr.-Oct.), Musei Civici Pass €18. Apr.-Oct., daily 10-5; Nov.-Mar., daily 10-4. Vaporetto: Vaporetto: Burano.