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.

Understand
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.

Whether it is a good idea to stay in Mestre when the intention is to visit central Venice is a matter of taste and convenience. Note that while it's possible to save some money by staying in Mestre instead of Venice, at least some money saved will be rather spent on transportation, public toilets and "sit-in" charges for cafes and snackbars in Venice (a traveller that stays in Venice instead may save money by taking away food and drinks back to his or her hotel instead of sitting in). Besides, due to frequent overcrowding, the San Marco and Rialto areas of Venice are often better explored during early morning or late evening, which will not be possible for those staying in Mestre. Finally, while the buses and trains from Mestre to Venice typically only take from 10 to 20 minutes, one that arrives in Venice still needs to go from either Piazzale Roma or Venezia Santa Lucia station to their final sightseeing spot, which might be either a long walk or an expensive vaporetto ride.

The opposite question is whether it makes sense for someone staying in central Venice to visit Mestre. For someone staying for 3 days or less, probably the answer is no. Those staying longer, however, may enjoy going to Mestre to have a break from tourist crowds, shop and eat at non-inflated prices, go to bars and nightclubs open until late, ride a car or a bicycle, or simple have a feeling of being in a "normal" city with normal people, rather than in a theme park or a "city of vacation homes" which Venice is increasingly turning to.

By plane
To 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.

By train
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.



Get 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 also has two tram lines T1 and T2.

See
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.



Do
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.

Buy
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.



Eat
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!).

Drink
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.

In Mestre there are some night clubs:

Budget

 * Venice Lagoon House Via Tenda 11, Venezia (village Tessera). Just 1 km from Venice Airport - Info: [mailto:info@venicelagoonhouse.com] Four-bed dorms from €25 per person.
 * Venice Lagoon House Via Tenda 11, Venezia (village Tessera). Just 1 km from Venice Airport - Info: [mailto:info@venicelagoonhouse.com] Four-bed dorms from €25 per person.
 * Venice Lagoon House Via Tenda 11, Venezia (village Tessera). Just 1 km from Venice Airport - Info: [mailto:info@venicelagoonhouse.com] Four-bed dorms from €25 per person.
 * Venice Lagoon House Via Tenda 11, Venezia (village Tessera). Just 1 km from Venice Airport - Info: [mailto:info@venicelagoonhouse.com] Four-bed dorms from €25 per person.

Mid-range

 * Hotel Altieri, Via Altinia 51, 30030 Favaro Veneto, ph +39 041 5010651 fax +39 041 631504 . In Mestre, 3 miles from the airport. Double room rates range from €110.
 * Hotel Altieri, Via Altinia 51, 30030 Favaro Veneto, ph +39 041 5010651 fax +39 041 631504 . In Mestre, 3 miles from the airport. Double room rates range from €110.
 * Hotel Altieri, Via Altinia 51, 30030 Favaro Veneto, ph +39 041 5010651 fax +39 041 631504 . In Mestre, 3 miles from the airport. Double room rates range from €110.

Go next
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.


 * Venice&mdash; The main island (regional train to Venice Santa Lucia costs €1.20).
 * The Lido&mdash; Famous Venice beaches.
 * Murano&mdash; Nearby Island with typical glass.
 * Burano&mdash; Nearby Island with typical textiles and painted houses.
 * San Lazzaro&mdash; Nearby Island with Armenian monastery and impressive art collection, some world class pieces.
 * Jesolo&mdash; Jesolo is one of the most important beaches in Italy, just 45' from Venice by car or by boat (ferry from Treporti to Venice).