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.

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

Where to eat
Guarulhos isn't a culinary destination in its own right, but Mocotó is the exception — a Michelin-recognized restaurant serving cuisine from Brazil's sertão region, worth building time around rather than treating as an afterthought. Otherwise, the city's shopping malls hold reliable food courts and casual Brazilian restaurants for a straightforward meal before or after a flight.
Layover made easy
This is a city built around São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport, and that's its real advantage: quick access in and out, with Cantareira State Park and Tietê Ecological Park offering genuine green space if you've got a few hours to fill rather than just a connection to make.
Right outside your hotel
Mercure Guarulhos Aeroporto is about 13 minutes from São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport, with an airport transfer service available. The hotel's pool sits on the 22nd floor, and breakfast starts early — from 5:30am on weekdays — to suit early flights.
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FAQ

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.

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.

Where to Sleep in Guarulhos

See Mercure hotels in Guarulhos, all within reach of these picks.

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Where to sleep

See Mercure hotels in Guarulhos, all within reach of these picks

View hotels