Mestre Travel Guide (Metropolitan Venice/Veneto/Northeast Italy/Italy/Europe)

Introduction to Mestre

Nestled in the Veneto region of Northeast Italy, Mestre is a bustling city situated on the mainland that serves as the gateway to the enchanting city of Venice. Mestre is filled with incredible cultural and natural attractions, boasting an array of unique experiences for visitors to explore. From museums and historical landmarks to outdoor adventures and scenic views, Mestre has it all. Here’s our comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your trip to Mestre, Italy.

List of Places to Visit in Mestre

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Museo del Vetro - A glass museum that showcases Venetian glass, its history, and production techniques.
Forte Marghera - An ancient fortification with historical significance, featuring underground tunnels and passageways.
Chiesa di San Lorenzo - A stunning church established in the 17th century that features intricate architecture and a beautiful facade.

Natural Attractions of Mestre: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Parco San Giuliano - A vast urban park that’s one of the biggest in the Venetian lagoon, featuring a lake and bike paths.
Lido di Venezia - A long, sandy beach that’s a perfect spot for swimming and relaxation.
Bosco di Mestre - A woodsy area nearby Mestre, perfect for hiking, biking and nature walks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mestre

Parco Bissuola - A great area with multiple hiking and biking routes traversing through nature. The paths are relatively easy and can be enjoyed by all levels of hikers and bikers.
Riserva Naturale Le Valli - Nature trails and stunning views are what define this park, located just outside Mestre’s city limits. Note that this park has restricted access during the year and required permit for some of the paths.

Best Things to Do in Mestre: Activities and Tours

Aperitivo Tour - A guided tour that takes you through the bars and restaurants of Mestre, sampling the Aperitivo and local cuisine.
Venetian Glassblowing Workshop - Experience firsthand the art of glassblowing at the glass museum, Museo del Vetro.
Cicchetti Tour - A guided tour that explores the enotecas (wine bars) in Venice and Mestre and samples cicchetti, small snacks typically served with drinks.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mestre

Day	Activity
Day 1	Explore the city’s history and visit the Forte Marghera and Museo del Vetro.
Day 2	Spend a day outside admiring the beauty of Parco San Giuliano and its activities.
Day 3	Take a guided tour through the bars and restaurants of Mestre, sampling Aperitivo and local cuisine.
Day 4	Travel to Venice for a day trip to see famous landmarks like the Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal.
Day 5	Enjoy the scenic views of Riserva Naturale Le Valli by walking or mountain biking
Day 6	Relax and unwind in the sandy beach of Lido di Venezia.
Day 7	Get lost in the Venetian Lagoon islands, like Murano or Burano, and learn about their unique histories and industries.

Food and Drink Scene of Mestre

Must-Try Dishes

Fritto Misto - Fried seafood and vegetables, a staple in Venetian cuisine.
Baccalà Mantecato - Creamy codfish served on bread, a popular Venetian dish.
Risotto al Nero di Seppia - A savory main dish made with squid ink.

Local Beverages

Spritz Veneziano - A classic Venetian cocktail, made with Aperol, Prosecco, and soda.
Prosecco - A dry, sparkling white wine that is widely produced in the Veneto region.
Bellini - A refreshing cocktail made of peach puree and Prosecco.

Where to Stay in Mestre: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotel Plaza - A modern, well-equipped four-star hotel with a great location and stunning views.
AO Hostel Venezia Mestre - A spacious and affordable hostel for budget travelers who still want to be close to the city center.
Hotel Centrale - Located in the center, this hotel has great connections to public transportation and easy access to the city’s top attractions.

What to Buy in Mestre: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Venetian Glass - Elegant and colorful creations, thanks to the long-established artisan tradition.
Burl Wood Products - Unique hand-carved products made from the burl wood common in the Veneto region.
Italian Wines - Many wineries are in the Veneto region, producing exceptional wines that are only found in Italy.

Local Culture and Customs of Mestre

The locals in Mestre are proud of their heritage, with a celebration adorning the city from Carnival to Saints Days to cultural and concert events.
Tipping is not common in Italy, but rounding the bill up or leaving small change are acceptable forms of tipping.

Best Time to Visit Mestre

Mestre can be visited at any time of the year, with the peak season being the summer months between June and September. Shoulder seasons (April-May and October-November) are also great times to visit as they are less crowded, sometimes more affordable, and offer milder temperatures that make outdoor activities more comfortable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mestre

Do:

Try the local cuisine, especially the seafood.
Respect historical and religious places.
Wander off the beaten path and discover the city’s hidden gems.

Don’t:

Feed the pigeons, as it’s not permitted in public spaces and creates issues of dirt and damage to historical structures.
Expect shops and restaurants to be open on Sundays.
Walk around scantily clad, especially in the city center.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mestre

Mestre has a low crime rate and is a peaceful and safe town. It is still essential to protect your valuables, such as money, mobile phones, or bank cards.

Health in Mestre

Mestre has a good quality health system. A local hospital provides various high-quality healthcare services, and most general practitioners and specialists speak English.

Getting to Mestre: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mestre

Mestre is located close to Venice International Airport, with easy access to the city by train or bus. The airport also offers direct connections to many European and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Mestre

Mestre is well-connected to the bus station, and there are frequent buses to most Italian cities, like Rome and Florence. The buses are usually comfortable, affordable, and can be booked easily online.

Other Options

Mestre can also be reached by train, with several routes connecting Venice to neighboring cities. Travelers who have planned to explore the Veneto region or the rest of Italy are most likely starting in Mestre.

How to Get Around in Mestre

Once in Mestre, There is a modern and efficient public transportation system with regular bus services and a tramline. Bicycle rental services are also readily available and popular in the area. It is also possible to walk, especially in the central areas, with pedestrian zones and attractive squares.

Where to Go Next from Mestre: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Venice - the iconic city of water is merely a short train or bus ride from Mestre.
Padua - A beautiful medieval city known for its stunning frescoes, beautiful piazzas, and lively student energy.
Verona -The city of love and Romeo, packed with Roman ruins, fascinating history, and elegant architecture.
Dolomites - a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a stunning landscape of rugged peaks, crystal-clear streams, and lush meadows.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in exploring history and culture or immersing in nature, Mestre provides a range of exceptional experiences for visitors. From its natural beauty and colorful local culture to its food scene and forward-looking art, Mestre is the perfect destination for every type of traveler. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can make the most out of your time there and experience all that Mestre has to offer.

Mestre Image Gallery

Piaza Ferretto, the main public square of Mestre.

Santi Gervasio e Protasio church