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 Local Guarulhos: What to Do Around Mercure Guarulhos
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Guarulhos, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Guarulhos in 5 picks
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.
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.
Where to sleep
See Mercure hotels in Guarulhos, all within reach of these picks.