Tessera serves as Venice's gateway, home to Marco Polo Airport and a quieter alternative to the bustling historic centre. The area blends airport infrastructure with residential streets where modest apartment blocks create an unpretentious mainland atmosphere. Venetian lagoon views add natural beauty to this practical transit hub. Visitors appreciate Tessera for its affordability, with accommodation costing much less than Venice proper. Area trattorias serve authentic Veneto cuisine at reasonable prices. Regular buses and water taxis connect easily to Venice's famous attractions, making this a smart base for budget-conscious travellers.
Marghera offers budget-friendly charm on Venice's mainland with an industrial past now blossoming into artistic spaces. Former factories have transformed into galleries and cultural centers where visitors can experience authentic Italian community life. The wide streets showcase colourful street art against utilitarian architecture. This practical base provides excellent transit connections to Venice's attractions, just 15-20 minutes away by frequent buses. Local trattorias serve delicious Veneto classics at mainland prices. Accommodation cost significantly less than in central Venice while still providing a genuine glimpse into everyday Italian area culture.
Mestre City Centre serves as the gateway to Venice with its major train station connecting travellers to Venice island in just 8 minutes. This budget-friendly area offers authentic Italian life away from tourist crowds. Explore pedestrian-friendly streets around Piazza Ferretto with its historic clock tower and local shops beneath porticoed walkways. The area features cultural highlights like M9 Mestre Museum and Toniolo Theatre alongside practical amenities for travellers. Enjoy authentic trattorias serving regional specialities at prices much lower than Venice. With excellent transport links and a genuine Italian atmosphere, Mestre makes an ideal base for exploring Venice without the high costs.
San Giuliano offers a refreshing escape with Europe's largest urban park right on Venice's doorstep. The sprawling 74-acre green space features panoramic lagoon views and an iconic observation tower. Cycling paths and waterfront promenades create perfect spots for watching Venice's skyline across the water. The area serves as an ideal base for Venice day-trippers with excellent bus connections that reach the city in just 15 minutes. Free parking makes this a smart choice for travellers with cars. The quiet atmosphere and budget-friendly dining options provide a peaceful alternative to Venice's crowds.
You might appreciate the restaurants and waterfront views in Campalto, and if you're interested in seeing more of the area, San Giuliano Park and Forte Marghera are just a few notable stops.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Mestre
Ferretto Square
8.6/10 (290 reviews)
This historic central square of Mestre buzzes with Italian social life and architectural charm. Sip espresso at outdoor cafés while watching locals gather, or browse boutique shops housed in centuries-old buildings.
Ca' Noghera Casino of Venice
8.2/10 (209 reviews)
Italy's first American-style casino offers a modern gaming experience with 550+ slot machines and classic table games. Enjoy the vibrant evening atmosphere just minutes from Venice's Marco Polo Airport.
San Giuliano Park
8.4/10 (148 reviews)
San Giuliano Park offers sweeping views of Venice's lagoon. Explore cycling paths, admire Toni Benetton's sculptures, or watch diverse bird species in the park's serene artificial ponds.
Porte di Mestre Shopping Center
8.2/10 (104 reviews)
This spacious shopping complex houses popular brands like Benetton and H&M alongside a large hypermarket. Visit the Officine Italia gourmet hall for artisanal drinks after browsing the diverse retail options.
Forte Marghera
8.4/10 (162 reviews)
This 19th-century star-shaped fortress has transformed from military defence into a vibrant cultural hub. Explore historic architecture, attend art exhibitions, or enjoy summer festivals in its expansive green spaces.
Forte Bazzera
8.4/10 (751 reviews)
This early 20th-century fort sits on an artificial island encircled by a canal, showcasing military architecture from 1910. Explore concrete casemates while enjoying the tranquil green spaces and Venice Lagoon views.
Villa Foscari La Malcontenta
9.8/10 (7 reviews)
Villa Foscari showcases Palladio's genius with its temple-like façade and magnificent interior frescoes by Zelotti. Reserve your visit ahead to explore this Renaissance masterpiece along the Brenta Canal.
Toniolo Theatre
8.4/10 (7 reviews)
Teatro Toniolo offers an intimate Art Deco setting for diverse cultural performances in Mestre, Italy. Enjoy theatre, dance, or musical concerts while experiencing its renowned acoustics in this historic venue.
What to do in Mestre
Venice in a Day:Gondola Ride, Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica & City Tour
"I was worried to travel abroad and to a place that I didn't know the language, but the staff was incredibly helpful. Everything was perfect couldn't recommend enough"
"Great property, very clean. We didn’t like that they consider a as young as 5+ an adult and make you get an extra room because their double bedroom w two double beds cannot have 3people at a time. The hotel claimed it is Policed??"
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Mestre getaway. However, factors like the length of stay, hotel choice and season will determine how much your holiday to Mestre costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Mestre?
You're likely to find reduced prices and better availability in December, January and February. Take a look at our cheap Mestre holiday packages and you could get some excellent off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Mestre?
Dedicate around 2 days for your Mestre holiday to really immerse yourself in everything that makes this place special. Stroll around popular neighbourhoods, including Venice City Centre and San Marco. Then tick off top attractions such as Paintball Mestre and Savian Vini. With a clever itinerary, you'll be kept busy with room for some relaxation too. Want to travel outside of Mestre? Consider a day trip or two.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Mestre?
During your Mestre holiday, you can look forward to enjoying some top-notch cafes and bars and pubs. Leave enough room in your itinerary to explore leading attractions like Ferretto Square and Porte di Mestre Shopping Centre.
How to find the best Mestre package deals?
Begin your search for a Mestre package deal by entering your preferred travel dates and destination under our "Packages" tab. Then add some filters, like "Property type" and "Popular locations," to fine-tune the results to your exact style. You can also sort by "Package discount" and browse offers that come with big savings. If you don't find the perfect Mestre package deal straight away, just switch up your dates and search again. Bear in mind that deals are only available for a limited time, so book early and get your Mestre getaway off to a flying start.
Is it cheaper to book a Mestre holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you considerable savings when compared to booking flights and hotels separately. Better still, you can customise your Mestre trip to fit your exact style. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Browse our great deals to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Mestre?
If you're planning a spontaneous Mestre holiday, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you go. Don't want to leave things to the last minute? You can land sensational deals on your flights and hotels by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Mestre?
Pick the perfect time to travel: Your schedule, preferred season and the type of weather you enjoy can all impact your decision on when to travel to Mestre.
Budget wisely: As well as the cost of your stay, you'll need to factor in other expenses. These include flights, transportation and food. Also, put aside a little extra for unexpected expenses that could crop up during your trip to Mestre.
Decide how long to go for: Now that you're more familiar with Mestre, you can work out the perfect length of your break. Pull together a draft plan and give yourself enough time to cover everything you want to do.
Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your car rental, flights, hotels and more into a personalised Mestre holiday package.
Mestre offers a delightful blend of cultural and outdoor experiences, making it an ideal destination for various types of vacations. Visitors can engage in activities such as skiing and attending operas while soaking in the vibrant Venetian atmosphere. Although it attracts tourist crowds, Mestre provides a unique opportunity to savour local life and explore its charming streets. Embrace the authentic Venetian experience amidst the city's rich cultural offerings.
Shopping
If you're up for a drive, you can explore the Porte di Mestre Shopping Center, which offers a vibrant mix of shopping, entertainment, and dining. Closer to Mestre, visit Spezeria Antica Santa Fosca and La Bottega dei Mascareri for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Recreation
Experience the charm of the Toniolo Theatre, where culture and entertainment blend seamlessly. Unwind at San Giuliano Park, a serene oasis for relaxation. For outdoor enthusiasts, Circolo Golf Venezia Lido offers a delightful golfing experience amidst stunning landscapes, perfect for both sports and leisure.
Adventure
The Wheel of Venice, located 30.6km from Mestre, offers a thrilling ride with breathtaking views, perfect for families and adventure seekers. In Mestre, Paintball Mestre invites you to enjoy an exhilarating arcade adventure with friends, while Antiche Terme di Giunone provides a fun-filled waterpark experience for the whole family.
Nightlife
Mestre offers a vibrant nightlife with charming bars and lively clubs. Enjoy a drink at the stylish Bar Al Paradiso or dance the night away at Mistral. For a more relaxed vibe, visit the cosy Enoteca La Bottega, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Find the best attractions in and around Mestre
Mestre offers a delightful mix of culture, urban experiences, and outdoor activities, making it ideal for themed vacations. Visitors can explore an array of attractions, including charming churches, historic palaces, and lively piazzas. The points of interest in and around Mestre cater to those seeking enriching cultural encounters, vibrant city life, and scenic outdoor adventures.
Rialto Bridge: A stunning symbol of Venice, this iconic bridge spans the Grand Canal, offering breathtaking views and a bustling atmosphere filled with shops and vendors. Its architectural beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit, just 9.7km from Mestre.
Forte Bazzera: Nestled within Mestre, this historic fort showcases the region's military history. Explore its impressive architecture and learn about its role in protecting Venice, all while enjoying cultural events that take place in its scenic surroundings.
Palazzo Pisani Moretta: This exquisite historic palace, located 9.7km from Mestre, features stunning baroque architecture and lavish interiors. Visitors can immerse themselves in the grandeur of Venetian nobility and enjoy picturesque views of the Grand Canal.
Best time to go to Mestre
The best time to visit Mestre is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and August are its hottest month on average. At the time of August, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Mestre
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Mestre.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to February and November) for more affordable package holidays to Mestre.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.