Mestre, neighbouring the picturesque canals of Venice, offers the traditional ambiance of an Italian village combined with the designer stores and busy piazzas of a large city. Wander down cobblestone streets and take your pick from generations-old restaurants and patisseries. Grab a traditional pizza or homemade cake and enjoy your meal at a sun-drenched piazza or park.
Piazza Ferretto is a scenic square doted with historic buildings and crowned with a central water fountain. Peruse the designer stores on the square’s perimeter or take a seat in the al fresco dining areas of the piazza’s restaurants and try the local espresso coffee.
Beside the piazza, find Galleria Matteotti, a popular shopping strip sheltered by a tall glass roof. This area is known for its jewellery and art stores.
Stroll around Mestre’s historic landmarks and join a free tour of the Cathedral of St. Lawrence, established in the 17th century. Try to find Torre dell’Orologio in the skyline. This watchtower was built in 1108 and is the only remaining part of the medieval walls that once protected the city. The ornate Podestarile Palace, located nearby, is a centuries-old building that now holds government offices.
Pack some freshly-baked focaccia and have a picnic at San Giuliano Park. This park sometimes hosts outdoor concerts in the evenings. Wander around the nearby Albanese Bissuola Park and feed the ducks at the pond.
As you relax at a bar’s sunny terrace, try Aperol, a famous Italian aperitif, with some sparkling water and a zingy slice of orange. Many restaurants in Mestre serve modern and traditional Italian fare, including fresh pizza and pasta. Most people in Mestre speak Italian, but you may hear some locals speaking the native Romantic dialect of Venetian.
Mestre is a scenic and romantic destination to base your travels in the region and beautiful Venice. Reach the famous canal city via convenient rail and bus networks at any time of day. The most direct routes connect at the Venezia Mestre Railway Station.
