Things To Do
in Mestre
Mestre is a mainland town in northern Italy, located just across the lagoon from Venice. It serves as a gateway to Venice, with many travelers passing through on their way to the famous city. Mestre is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with bustling streets, shops, and charming cafes.
Visitors can also explore the historic center, which is a mix of modern architecture and medieval buildings.
- "Ciao" - Hello
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Scusa" - Excuse me/Sorry
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Piazza Ferretto, the main square of Mestre, where you can enjoy a coffee at a local café. Take a stroll through the vibrant streets and check out the shops.
Visit the Torre dell’Orologio and learn about Mestre's history at the nearby Museo Nazionale di Villa Pisani. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a trattoria featuring traditional Venetian cuisine.
As the sun sets, head to Parco Piraghetto for a peaceful walk or relax with a book. Consider dining at a local pizzeria to experience authentic Italian flavors.
Catch an early Vaporetto to Venice and enjoy the scenic ride along the Grand Canal. Arrive at St. Mark's Square and visit the Basilica.
Explore the narrow alleys and unique shops of Venice, stopping for lunch at a canal-side restaurant. Don't miss the Rialto Bridge and vibrant market area.
As evening falls, take a romantic gondola ride through the canals. End your day with a traditional Venetian dinner at a local osteria.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient access to Venice, just a short train or bus ride away.
- More affordable accommodation and dining options compared to central Venice.
- Less crowded than Venice, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
- Offers its own attractions, including parks, local markets, and historical architecture.
- A genuine local Italian experience with fewer tourists.
- Not as many famous tourist attractions as Venice itself.
- Mestre lacks the unique charm and ambiance of the canals and smaller streets of Venice.
- Public transportation is necessary to reach major sites in Venice.
- May feel less Italian and more suburban due to its modern developments.
- Limited nightlife and cultural events compared to Venice.
Best Activities in Mestre
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A relaxing outdoor space with beautiful gardens, art installations, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the peaceful Brenta River, taking in picturesque views of the countryside and historic villas.
A large park offering various outdoor activities such as cycling, jogging, picnicking, and enjoying views of the Venetian lagoon.
Tours
Uncover the best of Mestre with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Mestre
Visit one of these nice places.
A bustling square with historic buildings and a great place to capture the local atmosphere.
Offers a panoramic view of Mestre and is a great spot for capturing the city landscape.
Provides beautiful views of the water and surrounding area, perfect for scenic photographs.
Food in Mestre
Mestre Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic dish featuring thick, whole-wheat spaghetti served with a savory anchovy and onion sauce. It's a staple of Venetian cuisine and can be savored at Trattoria da Bepi where it's prepared to perfection.
Must-Try!
This delectable seafood dish consists of sardines marinated and cooked with onions, pine nuts, and vinegar. For an authentic Sarde in saor experience, head to Osteria al Borgo.
A tantalizing mix of fried seafood such as shrimp, squid, and small fish. The best place to relish Fritto misto is at Trattoria da Remigio, known for its exceptional seafood dishes.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Mestre better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The bustling Mercato di Mestre is a vibrant marketplace where you can sample a wide range of local produce, cheeses, and cured meats. Don't miss the opportunity to savor delectable street food like panini and frittelle (fried sweet pastries) from the various stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Mestre, Italy, it is important to greet people with a handshake, particularly when meeting for the first time. It is also common to use titles such as 'Signore' (Mr.) or 'Signora' (Mrs.) when addressing people as a sign of respect.
When dining in Mestre, it is polite to wait until the host indicates where you should sit before taking a seat. It is also customary to keep your hands visible on the table while eating and to avoid starting the meal until the host has initiated.
It is important to be conscious of personal space in Mestre. Italians generally stand closer together and have a more relaxed attitude towards physical proximity, but it is still essential to be mindful of personal boundaries and not to invade someone's personal space.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Mestre with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Mestre
Ensure a smooth experience
In Mestre, Italy, tipping is not obligatory, as service charges are often included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. However, it is common practice to round up the bill or leave a small tip of 5-10% for exceptional service.
In Mestre, Italy, cash is widely accepted for small purchases and at local establishments. However, major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are also commonly used for larger transactions. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller shops or markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Mestre.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Mestre, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Expect blooming flowers and lively outdoor activities.
Ideal for beachgoers, with warm temperatures and vibrant summertime events. Expect crowded beaches and lively atmosphere.
Perfect for exploring nearby vineyards and enjoying the harvest season. Expect beautiful foliage and wine festivals.
Good for experiencing traditional Italian Christmas markets and festivities. Expect colder temperatures and fewer tourists.
Mestre at Night
Hiking in Mestre
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful natural park with various trails that follow the Sile River, offering scenic views and opportunities for birdwatching.
Located a bit farther from Mestre, this mountain offers challenging hiking trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
A vast forest area perfect for hiking, featuring diverse flora and fauna, and well-marked trails for all skill levels.
A range of rolling hills and natural parks near Padua, ideal for those looking for varied terrain and beautiful landscapes.
Though a bit further away, this national park is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, making it a great destination for passionate hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Mestre through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Mestre by plane.
The main airport serving the city of Venice, located approximately 13 km from Mestre. It offers a variety of international flights and is one of the busiest airports in Italy.
Treviso Airport is located about 30 km from Mestre. It primarily serves low-cost airlines and offers connections to various European destinations.
Approximately 120 km from Mestre, Verona Villafranca Airport serves both domestic and international flights and is a hub for several low-cost carriers.
Located around 150 km from Mestre, Bologna Airport is an important international airport with a wide range of flights to various destinations.
About 150 km away from Mestre, Trieste Airport serves both domestic and international flights and is a key airport for the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Mestre, comprising people who hold Italian citizenship, primarily of Venetian descent.
This group includes people who have migrated from countries outside of the European Union, contributing to the cultural diversity of Mestre.
Individuals who have moved to Mestre from other European Union member states, often for work or education.
A growing population of international students attending universities in Mestre and nearby areas.
A significant portion of the population is elderly, reflecting demographic trends in Italy.
The Soul of Mestre
Discover the essence of Mestre through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Mestre, with many local clubs and a strong following among residents.
Basketball is also widely played in Mestre, with several teams competing in regional leagues.
Volleyball enjoys popularity in Mestre, with clubs and recreational leagues available for players of all ages.
Rugby has a growing community in Mestre, with several clubs promoting the sport and encouraging youth participation.
Athletics, including track and field events, is practiced by many in Mestre, with local clubs supporting athletes of various levels.
Swimming is a popular activity in Mestre, with access to several pools and natural water bodies for recreational and competitive swimming.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mestre.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Mestre caters well to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering plant-based dishes centered around fresh produce, pasta, and risottos. Notable venues like Soul Kitchen provide an array of vegetarian and vegan delights.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can indulge in a variety of gluten-free pasta dishes and pizzas at select eateries like Ristorante Pizzeria Alle Vigne.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Mestre with these cultural adventures.
