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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cantina Marco Polo 6811
You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Cantina Marco Polo 6811 during your travels to Tessera. Stroll along the seaside or visit the churches in the area.
What to do in Mestre
Venice in a Day:Gondola Ride, Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica & City Tour
"The location was perfect with close proximity to the bus and train station. Travelled from the airport by bus to the terminal and used the train to go to and from Venice - a 5 min walk to the hotel. Restaurants right near the hotel."
"Only stayed for one night, but the property was very clean very convenient and they provided shuttle for us to the airport, which was great. Nice location next to the bus stop to take the bus into Venice as well."
"Just a few miles from airport (too far to walk) - abour 1/2 mile from bus stop down to Venice - Very Helpful and Very inexpensive. Rooms were slightly above average for Europe. Need EU power adaptors for sure. We used this hotel twice and would do so again."
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.