Mestre
Discover Mestre
Mestre corresponds to the mainland area of Venice, in Italy. Although administratively it is part of Venice, from a traveller's perspective it can be considered to be a distinct area. Officially the name "Mestre" corresponds to only one of the boroughs that forms Venice's mainland, but travellers typically consider Mestre as the entire Venice mainland. Visitors to Venice are often perplexed to see so many tourists and very few locals, and wonder where do the Venetians do live. In fact, most Venetians, including many who work in Venice lagoon's cafes, restaurants, shops and even gondeliers, live in Venice's mainland, Mestre. For most part, Mestre is a normal, modern Italian city with all the conveniences and problems, but not enough to make it a destination on its own. Due to the cheaper accommodation (especially for hotels with 3 stars and above), cheaper parking facilities, and better access to Marco Polo airport, Mestre is often used as a base to explore Venice.
Taste of Mestre...
There are lots of different restaurants and cafes throughout Mestre which have guaranteed good meals out. Mestre is full of small family owned pasticcerie. In Piazza Ferretto, you can buy little miniature desserts, called mignon, which are delicious. Tramezzini — similar to sandwiches — are also very popular. There are places where you can chose from more than 30 different types. Brioche, with your morning espresso, is another staple found in Mestre. The pizza is typically Italian, thin and delicious. Being on the coast, fish is another important part of Mestre cuisine and there are always plenty to choose from in any restaurant (beware they sell fish by the weight, so in the menu if it says €5 for bass then that may mean for 100 grams, and end up costing near €30!). Aperol is the liquor of choice. Orange-flavored, it is very popular in the form of a spritz, with prosecco and sparkling water added. Also coffee is typically Italian, strong and delicious. Around the Venetian lagoon are other smaller islands, which have since been deserted but are worth a visit. There is also the Lido, which is a long narrow island with more modern buildings, hosting a youth hostel and a hotel.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsTo travel to Mestre you can fly to two different airports. Marco Polo in Venice is the closest, about 20 minutes from the train station in Mestre and you can take the ATVO flybus or line 5 every 10 minutes or so. Treviso airport is also nearby, approximately 50 minutes by bus. There are two train stations within Mestre. All long-distance and regional trains call at the main station while only regional trains call at Porto Marghera. Mestre's town center is pedestrianised and is therefore difficult to navigate in a car. There are bus links to all the local attractions and everything is within walking distance. There are many well maintained bike lanes throughout Mestre. Mestre is a very charming city, with its canal snaking across the center. There are plenty of gorgeous little streets to explore along the way. Mestre has several sights in the main piazza, Piazza Ferretto....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Mestre's town center is pedestrianised and is therefore difficult to navigate in a car. There are bus links to all the local attractions and everything is within walking distance. There are many well maintained bike lanes throughout Mestre. Mestre is a very charming city, with its canal snaking across the center. There are plenty of gorgeous little streets to explore along the way. Mestre has several sights in the main piazza, Piazza Ferretto. There is a watchtower at the top of the piazza, and be sure to check out Teatro Toniolo, which is a beautiful theater. Stretch your legs at the two main parks, Parco San Giulliano and Parco Bissuola. Each has good sport facilities, such as outdoor pools, basketball courts, skate rinks and running tracks. For those with children, there are play parks dotted around the city. There is also a mini train for children near the Le Barche shopping center.
Where to Stay
Around the Venetian lagoon are other smaller islands, which have since been deserted but are worth a visit. There is also the Lido, which is a long narrow island with more modern buildings, hosting a youth hostel and a hotel.
Money & Budget
Mestre has various different markets throughout the week, including ones specialising in fresh fruit and vegetables, clothes and even art. Max out your credit card at one of the many designer stores in Mestre. There are lots of different restaurants and cafes throughout Mestre which have guaranteed good meals out. Mestre is full of small family owned pasticcerie. In Piazza Ferretto, you can buy little miniature desserts, called mignon, which are delicious. Tramezzini — similar to sandwiches — are also very popular. There are places where you can chose from more than 30 different types. Brioche, with your morning espresso, is another staple found in Mestre. The pizza is typically Italian, thin and delicious.