Things to do in and around Mestre

Yes, Venice is the star — and it's about 10 minutes away by train (see our transport guide). But Mestre is a real, lived-in town with its own charm, and it's also a superb launch pad for day trips across the Veneto by train. Here's what's worth your time.

In Mestre itself

You don't need to cross to the island to have a good evening. A short stroll from most of our apartments:

• M9 — Museo del '900 — Mestre's standout attraction and a reason to visit in its own right. M9 is Italy's first fully multimedia museum: an immersive, digital journey through 20th-century Italian life — photographs, film, sound and interactive installations rather than paintings — housed in a striking contemporary building. Genuinely worth an afternoon, and a rainy-day winner.
• Piazza Ferretto — Mestre's handsome pedestrian main square, nicknamed the salotto ("living room") of Mestre. Locals gather here for an aperitivo, and it's ringed with cafés, shops and outdoor seating. The best free thing to do in Mestre is simply sit here at aperitivo hour like a local.
• Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower) — the medieval clock tower overlooking the square, the last surviving piece of Mestre's ancient fortifications, with a panoramic view from the top.
• Teatro Toniolo — Mestre's historic theatre and cultural hub, with concerts, theatre and dance through the season.
• Galleria Matteotti — a glass-roofed shopping arcade off the square, nice for a wander.

(Tip: each place name links to Google Maps — tap through for directions, opening hours and reviews.)

Easy day trips by train

Mestre station is a fast, frequent hub — these Veneto cities make excellent half- or full-day trips, often cheaper and quicker than you'd expect:

| Destination | Train time from Mestre | Why go |

|---|---|---|

| Padua (Padova) | ~15–25 min | Giotto's Scrovegni Chapel, historic university, lively piazzas |

| Treviso | ~20–25 min | Canals and frescoes without the crowds — a mini-Venice |

| Verona | ~1h–1h15 | Roman arena, Juliet's balcony, romantic old town |

Buy regional tickets on the Trenitalia app or at the station, and validate paper tickets before boarding.

A lake day: Lago di Santa Croce

If you have a car and fancy a break from the cities, Lago di Santa Croce is about an hour's drive north, in the Alpago below the Dolomites. It's one of the Veneto's top spots for watersports: steady winds make it a favourite for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and there's also sailing, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, plus lakeside spots to swim, picnic and relax with a mountain backdrop. A lovely warm-weather day out for active families.

The Venetian islands

While you're visiting Venice, don't miss the lagoon islands — reached by vaporetto (water bus) from Venice:

• Murano — centuries-old glassmaking.
• Burano — famously colourful fishermen's houses and lace.
• Torcello — quiet, ancient, with a remarkable mosaic-filled cathedral.

Plan these as part of a Venice day; the vaporetto needs its own ticket (~€9.50 single, or a day pass if you'll hop around).

Our tip

Use Mestre as your base camp: Venice for the mornings and evenings, a Veneto city or the islands on a middle day, and Piazza Ferretto for a relaxed, well-priced dinner when you get back. Ask us — we're happy to help you plan the days around your dates.

Frequently asked questions

Is there anything to do in Mestre itself?

Yes — Piazza Ferretto (the main square) with its cafés and aperitivo scene, the medieval Clock Tower, and Teatro Toniolo, all within a short walk.

What day trips can I do by train from Mestre?

Padua (~15–25 min), Treviso (~20–25 min) and Verona (~1 hour) are all easy, frequent train rides. See our transport guide for ticket tips.

How do I visit Murano and Burano?

By vaporetto (water bus) from Venice — plan it into a Venice day and buy a vaporetto ticket or day pass.