If you have a few spare hours, Cantareira State Park and Mocotó restaurant make it worthwhile — otherwise it's best known as the practical gateway to São Paulo.
Discover Authentic Guarulhos: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
Mercure has been building hotels around their neighbourhoods since 1973, not dropping them in from nowhere. Recommended by the team at Mercure Guarulhos Aeroporto. That's why the Guarulhos recommendations on this page come from people who know the streets, not a database. Scroll for our picks, an interactive map, and answers to the questions we're asked most.
Our map pins local favourites such as Cantareira State Park, Morro do Nhangussu and Cervejaria Guaru, alongside our Mercure hotel.
Top 5 Things to Do in Guarulhos
Cantareira State Park
One of the largest urban forests in the world and part of the UNESCO São Paulo City Green Belt Biosphere Reserve. If you've got a free morning between flights, this is where to trade the terminal for Atlantic Forest trails and genuine quiet.
Mocotó
A Michelin-recognized restaurant dedicated to the cuisine of Brazil's northeastern sertão region — think slow-cooked meats and dishes you won't find on a typical São Paulo menu. Worth the detour if you have more than a quick layover.
Guarulhos Zoo
Free to visit and focused on native Brazilian species, it's a straightforward way to spend a few hours if you're based near the airport with kids in tow or just want a break from transit.
Praça IV Centenário
A central square that costs nothing to explore, useful if you want to get a feel for everyday Guarulhos beyond the airport zone and shopping malls.
Tietê Ecological Park
A green space built around the Tietê River, offering trails and a slower pace than the industrial stretches Guarulhos is more commonly known for.
Explore Guarulhos's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Guarulhos
We've mapped local spots around Guarulhos, from Atlantic Forest trails to craft beer near the airport.
Nature & wellness
Cantareira State Park – Núcleo Cabuçu
Fifteen minutes from downtown, part of the UNESCO Green Belt Biosphere Reserve: four trails through Atlantic Forest, including a 5 km waterfall trail. Bring water, and cash for the entry fee.
15 min from downtown · State park · Perfect for hiking
Morro do Nhangussu
Guarulhos' second-highest peak, at 961 metres, with 360-degree views. A 1.5 km walk and a short rocky scramble take you up – ideally at sunset. Bring everything you need.
Guarulhos · Viewpoint hike · Ideal for sunsets
Spa Urbano Julio Ganiko
A city spa with an oriental approach: hot stone massage, reiki, reflexology and acupuncture in calm, softly lit rooms. Ideal before a long flight.
Guarulhos · Spa · Made for relaxing
Heritage & local flavour
Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Built in 1665 in Baroque style, the cathedral at the heart of Guarulhos wears a yellow-and-white façade and blue tile murals from the Portuguese era.
City centre · Cathedral · Perfect for history
Capela do Rosário dos Homens Pretos
Built in the 18th century by the city's Afro-Brazilian community, this simple tiled chapel was a sacred space for enslaved and free Black people shut out of other churches. A quiet, powerful visit.
City centre · Chapel · Ideal for Afro-Brazilian heritage
Cervejaria Guaru
A small brewery in a house basement, pouring IPAs, stouts and lagers with a Brazilian twist – with homemade sausages on the side. Open Thursday to Saturday.
Guarulhos · Brewery · Made for craft beer fans
Bartenderia
A small, stylish bar that takes cocktails seriously – try the Ramos Gin Fizz. Great bar snacks, DJs later on.
Cocktail bar · Perfect for drinks
Nuovo Vino
South American wine under the vines, or more than 100 craft beers, with steaks and tapas to share.
Wine bar-restaurant · Great for dinner
Ponto KA
Next to Bosque Maia, the city's largest park, chefs Nelio and Neguinha serve churrasco and pizzas made with local produce.
Bosque Maia · Restaurant · Ideal for comfort food
Artes do Brasil
Handmade crafts from indigenous cultures across Brazil, from ceramics and basketry to jewellery.
Craft shop · Perfect for souvenirs
Marechal Choperia e Butiquim
Ice-cold draught beer and petiscos such as fried cassava, in a lively local bar.
Bar · Great for a beer
The Lord Black Irish Pub
A cosy pub with Guinness, more than 80 draught beers and live jazz, blues and rock at night.
Pub · Made for live music
FAQ
About 13 minutes, with an airport transfer service available directly through the hotel.
Mocotó, a Michelin-recognized restaurant specializing in dishes from Brazil's northeastern sertão region, is the standout choice in the area.
Cantareira State Park's Núcleo Cabuçu, 15 minutes from downtown, has four Atlantic Forest trails, including a waterfall trail.
The Baroque cathedral, built in 1665, and the 18th-century Capela do Rosário dos Homens Pretos.
Yes. Cervejaria Guaru brews IPAs, stouts and lagers and opens Thursday to Saturday.
Where to Sleep in Guarulhos
This Mercure hotel appears on our map:
- Mercure Guarulhos Aeroporto