Dotted with photogenic landmarks, classical garden arrangements and local restaurants, this Venetian suburb is a great escape from the tourist hub.
Just minutes from the heart of Venice you’ll find a charming region characterised by parks, boutique stores and a sprawling piazza surrounded by landmarks. Mestre is a romantic and picturesque retreat for visitors to one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations. Here you’ll find pizzas made by generations-old family recipes and homemade cakes. Mestre combines traditional ways of life with a cosmopolitan ambiance.
Take a walk through Piazza Ferretto. Meander through ancient buildings and snap photographs next to the cascading fountain at the centre of the square. A walk around the area will reveal designer stores and al fresco dining restaurants in the pedestrianised area.
Stroll to the nearby Galleria Matteotti to shop for jewels and art beneath the high glass ceiling.
Sign up for a free walking tour to see this historic sites of the city, including the 17th century Cathedral of St. Lawrence. Keep your eyes peeled for the last remnant of the wall that protected the medieval city, the 12th-century watchtower Torre dell’Orologio. Continue to discover the Podestarlie Palace, today a government building.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in San Giuliano Park. As the sun sets you’ll be treated to an open-air concert on the grass. Head to the nearby Albanese Bissuola Park to feed the ducks in the pond.
In the morning, kickstart your day with a rich espresso, traditionally served strong and black in Italy. Enjoy an afternoon sipping Aperol, an orange aperitif served with sparking water or Prosecco. There are plenty of dining options throughout the city, serving Italian classics like pizza and pasta. Try ordering in the Romance dialect of Venetian.
Considerably more affordable than staying within Venice, Mestre is a great place to base your stay in the region. Train and bus connect the two regions throughout the day and the Venezia Mestre Railway Station is the major transport hub for Mestre.
