What to see and do in Mestre
Modern, vibrant, and perfectly connected to Venice, Mestre is a city capable of surprising you with its balance of history, culture, nature, and local traditions. Much more than just an entry point to the lagoon, it guards historic squares, contemporary museums, vast green areas, and traditional taverns and restaurants that tell the most authentic story of the Venetian mainland.
Strolling through the historic center, traditional bars, parks overlooking the lagoon, and the city’s cultural spaces, you can discover what to see and do in Mestre between art, shopping, relaxation, and typical Venetian flavors. From the lively Piazza Ferretto to the M9 Museum, all the way to Forte Marghera and San Giuliano Park, Mestre offers ideal experiences for those wishing to experience the area at a more authentic and relaxed pace, while remaining just a few minutes away from the historic heart of Venice.
Here are some places, experiences, and addresses not to be missed during your stay at the Best Western Hotel Tritone.
Piazza Ferretto
The beating heart of Mestre, Piazza Ferretto is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the city’s most authentic atmosphere. Elegant, lively, and completely pedestrianized, the square is surrounded by historic porticoes, cafés, boutiques, and bars where you can stop for an aperitif or a stroll through the downtown streets.
Over the years, Piazza Ferretto has become the main gathering point for city life, hosting events, festivals, and cultural moments that bring Mestre to life in every season. Blending historic architecture and contemporary spaces, it represents today the perfect balance between Venetian tradition and a modern urban soul.
The Clock Tower
A historical symbol of Mestre overlooking Piazza Ferretto, the Clock Tower is one of the city’s most iconic monuments.
Built in the 12th century as a defensive tower for the ancient medieval castle, it has over time become a landmark for city life and for anyone visiting the historic center.
With its characteristic clock and unmistakable brick structure, it still tells the story of Mestre’s past through history, tradition, and Venetian architecture.
Strolling around its surroundings among porticoes, cafés, and historic shops, you can experience the authentic atmosphere of the city and discover one of the most iconic corners of the area.
M9 Museum of the 20th Century
Innovative, interactive, and contemporary, the M9 Museum represents one of the most dynamic cultural venues in Mestre. Located in the heart of the city, this multimedia museum tells the story of 20th-century Italy through immersive installations, digital content, photographs, archival footage, and interactive experiences capable of engaging visitors of all ages.
More than just a museum, M9 is a modern cultural space that combines memory, technology, and innovation, offering a new and engaging way to discover the history, society, and changes that marked the last century.
Fun fact? The museum building is part of a major urban regeneration project that transformed an entire area of downtown Mestre into a new cultural and creative hub, which is today a reference point for events, exhibitions, and artistic initiatives.
Where to Eat and Drink: Antica Hostaria Dante Alighieri
Just a short walk from the Best Western Hotel Tritone, Antica Hostaria Dante Alighieri is one of the most popular historic addresses in Mestre, ideal for enjoying an authentic Venetian dining experience in an elegant and welcoming setting.
A selected partner of the hotel, the restaurant offers a cuisine that highlights local flavors through fresh fish specialties, raw seafood, risottos, traditional Venetian fried dishes, typical cicchetti, and seasonal plates prepared with quality ingredients—all accompanied by a curated selection of local and national wines.
Perfect for a dinner after a day spent between Venice and Mestre, the Hostaria combines a convivial atmosphere, attention to detail, and culinary tradition, offering guests an authentic experience in the heart of the city.
San Giuliano Park
Overlooking the Venetian lagoon directly, San Giuliano Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe and one of Mestre’s most evocative spots to enjoy relaxing moments in the open air with a unique view of Venice.
With its vast green spaces, pedestrian and bicycle paths, relaxation areas, and panoramic views over the lagoon, the park is perfect for walking, playing sports, or simply enjoying the sunset with the silhouette of Venice on the horizon.
Fun fact? The area that houses the park today was once a degraded industrial zone, which was completely reclaimed until it became one of the symbols of Mestre’s urban rebirth. Today, San Giuliano Park also hosts international events, concerts, and festivals immersed in a truly unique natural setting.
Forte Marghera
Among the most fascinating and surprising places in Mestre, Forte Marghera is an old 19th-century fortress now transformed into a cultural and recreational space surrounded by greenery. Located between Venice and Mestre, it represents one of the symbols of the area’s military history and a meeting point for nature, culture, and events.
Strolling through its historic buildings, canals, and wide open spaces, you can discover exhibitions, art installations, cultural events, bars, and areas dedicated to relaxation, in a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Fun fact? Forte Marghera was part of the grand defensive system built by the Austrians in the 19th century to protect Venice from the mainland. Today, it has become one of the most dynamic and creative spaces in the area, perfect for experiencing Mestre from a different and contemporary perspective.
The Carpenedo Woods (Bosco di Carpenedo)
For those wishing to take a break from the city pace, the Carpenedo Woods represent one of the most evocative green areas in Mestre. Considered one of the best-preserved lowland woods in the Veneto region, this natural space offers paths immersed in greenery, centuries-old trees, and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for walks, relaxation, and outdoor activities.
Once part of an ancient forest that stretched across much of the Venetian plain, today the woods preserve an important natural heritage made of oaks, hornbeams, ashes, and numerous animal and plant species typical of the area.
Perfect for nature lovers and those wishing to discover a more authentic and unexpected side of Mestre, far from the more urban routes and immersed in the quiet of the Venetian landscape.