Roberta Aguirre
São Paulo, Brazil's largest city, is served by two airports: Guarulhos (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH). Guarulhos, the main aviation hub, is one of the busiest airports in the country, and in South America. Congonhas is a domestic-only airport. Both airports are notoriously crowded and difficult to navigate. However, there are plenty of things to do near São Paulo's airports, and in the city beyond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports | 2 |
| Names of airports | Guarulhos (GRU), Congonhas (CGH) |
| Airport focus | Guarulhos is international, Congonhas is domestic-only |
| Location of Guarulhos | 16 miles from Sao Paulo's city centre |
| Transport options to/from Guarulhos | Taxi, Uber, bus, luxury car hire, train |
| Transport options to/from Congonhas | Bus |
| Tourist information counter | In Terminal 2 (Arrivals, east side) |
| Number of terminals | 3 |
| Parking | Standard, premium, garaged |
| Dining options | Brazilian and American chain restaurants |
| Attractions near Guarulhos | Ibirapuera Park, Paulista Avenue, Vila Madalena, MASP, Instituto Moreira Salles, Fiesp, Casa das Rosas, Pacaembu Stadium, Afro-Brazilian Museum, Luz Park, Pinacoteca at Luz Station, Sé Cathedral, Saint Benedict Monastery, Church Nossa Sra. do Brasil |
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What You'll Learn
Getting to São Paulo from the airport
São Paulo, Brazil's largest city, is served by two airports: Guarulhos (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH). Guarulhos is the main international aviation hub for São Paulo, located 16 miles (25km) northeast of the city centre, while Congonhas is a domestic-only airport. Both airports are notoriously crowded and difficult to navigate, so it's recommended that you plan your onward journey in advance.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at both airports, with Guarucoop as the exclusive taxi provider at Guarulhos. A taxi between Guarulhos and central São Paulo costs about R$70-80 ($30) one way, with a journey time of 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Uber is also an option and is generally cheaper than taxis.
Bus
The Airport Bus Service runs coaches from Guarulhos to Congonhas Airport, Praça da República, Tietê, and Barra Funda bus terminals, as well as Paulista Avenue. Coaches leave every hour and cost R$30-40 ($15) one way. You can save 50% on your return ticket if you buy in advance.
Train
The CPTM Line 13 (Jade) train connects Guarulhos Airport to the Engenheiro Goulart station. The airport's CPTM station is located near Terminal 1, but it is a considerable distance from Terminals 2 and 3.
Private Transfer
If you prefer a more comfortable journey, luxury car hire services are available between Guarulhos and destinations in São Paulo.
Layover Tours
If you have a long layover in São Paulo, consider booking a layover tour to see the city's top attractions, such as Ibirapuera Park, Paulista Avenue, and the Municipal Market. These tours typically include return airport transfers and can be personalised to your interests.
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Exploring São Paulo's historic downtown
São Paulo is Brazil's largest city and a world financial powerhouse. The city has two airports: Guarulhos (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH). Guarulhos is internationally focused, whereas Congonhas is for domestic flights only. Both airports are notoriously crowded, with inadequate facilities and frequent labour disputes.
If you find yourself in São Paulo's historic downtown, there are a few notable places to visit. One Tripadvisor user recommends a church in the middle of downtown, which marks the place where the city was founded. The church features beautiful stained glass, an eternal torch, and two glittering altars. From there, you can walk to other historical sites. Another recommendation is Farol Santander, a private cultural centre with temporary exhibitions, a permanent exhibition about the history of the bank Banespa and Santander, and a panoramic cafe on the 26th floor. Farol Santander is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 8 pm, and it is recommended to visit at sunset, around 5:30 pm.
Another notable place in São Paulo's historic downtown is the Theatro Municipal, a beautiful building that offers various activities. If you're looking for a typical dining experience, head to PontoChic, the original place for the city's most traditional sandwich, the Bauru. For art lovers, Pinacoteca, located just 15 minutes away from the Ending Point of the Old Downtown SP Free Walking Tour, is a must-visit. It is one of the greatest museums in the city, featuring exhibitions of art and history.
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Visiting São Paulo's museums
São Paulo is Brazil's largest city and a world financial powerhouse. The city has two airports: Guarulhos (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH). While the airports are notoriously crowded and difficult to navigate, São Paulo itself has plenty to offer visitors.
One of the top attractions is Paulista Avenue, regarded as the city's most important avenue. Here, you'll find the São Paulo Art Museum (MASP), considered the flagship of the city's museums. MASP boasts a collection of over 10,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, objects, photographs, and clothing from various periods and cultures around the world. The museum's unique architectural feature, four red concrete pillars, also make it a notable landmark on Paulista Avenue.
If you're an art enthusiast, another must-visit destination is the Modern Art Museum (MAM), nestled within the lush Ibirapuera Park. MAM is one of the oldest modern art museums in Latin America, showcasing over 5,000 works by renowned Brazilian modern and contemporary artists. The museum's surroundings are just as impressive, with a sculpture garden designed by the renowned landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx.
For those interested in football (soccer), São Paulo has two excellent museums dedicated to the sport. The first is the Museu do Futebol, located at the entrance of the Pacaembu Stadium. This museum traces the history of Brazilian football, celebrates the country's football legends, and covers the World Cup since its inception in 1930. The second football-themed museum is housed inside the municipal Pacaembu stadium itself, a 77-year-old monument to Brazilian football. Here, you'll find informative exhibits and impressive displays showcasing the country's passion for the sport.
If you're looking for a break from traditional museums, the Pinacoteca of the State of São Paulo offers a unique experience. This art museum, inaugurated in 1905, is the oldest in the city and state. It houses approximately 9,000 works by notable artists. Additionally, the Pinacoteca has two buildings; the second one was once the São Paulo state's infamous Department for Political and Social Order, a place of interrogation and reported torture during the country's military dictatorship. This building now serves as a memorial to the resistance movement and the political repression of that era.
Lastly, for a blend of nature and culture, head to Ibirapuera Park, voted one of the best urban parks in the world. Within the park, you'll find the Afro-Brazilian Museum, featuring fascinating artefacts and exhibitions that shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of Brazil's history.
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Touring São Paulo's neighbourhoods
São Paulo is Brazil's largest city and a world financial powerhouse. The city has two airports: Guarulhos (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH). The former is internationally focused, while the latter is for domestic flights only. Both airports are notoriously crowded and challenging to navigate, so be prepared for potential delays and transportation difficulties.
Once you've made it through the airport, you can start exploring São Paulo's diverse neighbourhoods, each with its unique character and attractions. Here are some areas you might want to consider touring:
- Avenida Paulista: Regarded as the most important avenue in São Paulo, this is an excellent place to start your tour. The city's top art museum, MASP, is located here, along with cultural centres like the Instituto Moreira Salles, Fiesp, and Casa das Rosas. On Sundays and national holidays, the avenue is closed to traffic and becomes a vibrant space for pedestrians, cyclists, and performance artists.
- Vila Madalena: This bohemian neighbourhood is known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy bars and restaurants, and leafy streets. It's a great place to experience the city's cosmopolitan vibe, with its independent fashion boutiques and art galleries.
- Cerqueira César: This gay-friendly neighbourhood borders Avenida Paulista and is home to Rua Frei Caneca, known for its LGBTQ-friendly establishments. You'll also find the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), which houses the largest collection of Western art in Latin America, and the exclusive Renaissance São Paulo Hotel.
- Liberdade: This neighbourhood is the heart of São Paulo's Japanese community and feels like stepping into another country. Explore Liberdade Square with its traditional Japanese lanterns, the peaceful Japanese Gardens, and the weekend Liberdade Market offering Japanese snacks and crafts.
- Moema: A residential neighbourhood known for its green spaces and upscale dining options. It's a great choice if you're looking for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere while still enjoying the city's culinary delights.
- Jardins: If upscale shopping is your thing, head to Jardins, known for its sophisticated vibe and high-end stores.
- Bixiga: For a taste of Italy in São Paulo, visit Bixiga, known for its Italian flair and cuisine.
- Centro: While the centre of São Paulo went through a period of decay in the 80s and 90s, it's worth visiting to see the city's oldest buildings and experience its historical charm.
- Ibirapuera: This neighbourhood is home to Ibirapuera Park, the city's largest park and a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Admire the park's architecture, designed by the renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.
Remember, getting from the airport to São Paulo city can be costly and time-consuming, with taxi fares ranging from $70 to $80 one way. A cheaper alternative is the Airport Bus Service, which offers a more affordable and comfortable journey with free Wi-Fi.
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Relaxing in São Paulo's parks
São Paulo's Guarulhos and Congonhas airports are known for being crowded and chaotic. However, the city itself has plenty to offer, especially when it comes to parks where you can relax and unwind.
One of the most popular parks in São Paulo is the Ibirapuera Park, a sprawling urban park with lush green spaces, picturesque lakes, and cultural attractions. The park offers a serene escape from the bustling city, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, skating, and simply relaxing on the grass. Ibirapuera Park also boasts several cultural spaces, including museums, a sculpture garden, and the Afro-Brazilian Museum, which showcases the African influence on Brazil's history and culture. The park is also renowned for its architecture, with many of the constructions designed by the legendary Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.
Another notable park in São Paulo is the Parque Tenente Siqueira Campos, also known as Trianon Park. Located on Paulista Avenue, this park was established in 1892 and designed by French landscape designer Paul Villon to evoke the feel of an Atlantic tropical forest.
For those seeking a quieter and more serene experience, Água Branca Park, located on the west side of São Paulo, offers a beloved oasis away from the bustling city. While this park has seen better days, with deteriorating infrastructure, it still provides a peaceful escape with its serene landscapes and family-oriented activities.
Lastly, for a relaxing afternoon in nature, the unnamed park on Angelina Avenue, just before you reach Avenue Paulista, is a great option. This park features a pool, tennis courts, jogging paths, exercise stations, and abundant spots for picnics. It's a calm and relaxing escape from the busy streets of São Paulo.
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Frequently asked questions
You can take a taxi, Uber, bus, or train. Taxis are available outside each terminal's arrival hall and cost between 90 and 140 reals. Uber is cheaper, costing between 50 and 70 reals. The Airport Bus Service costs 30 to 39 reals and the train (CPTM) costs 48.80 reals.
São Paulo's Guarulhos Airport is located 16 miles from the city centre, so most tourist attractions are within the city. However, you can visit the Monastery of Sao Bento, which is a popular landmark.
São Paulo has a lot to offer, depending on your interests and how much time you have. You can visit the city's top art museum, MASP, explore cultural centres such as the Instituto Moreira Salles, or walk through downtown São Paulo to see the Pátio do Colégio, the Municipal Theatre, and the Anhangabaú Valley. If nature is your thing, spend your layover in the city's stunning urban park, Ibirapuera. You can also visit the Afro-Brazilian Museum, or the municipal Pacaembu stadium, which houses the country's best museum dedicated to soccer.
Dining options near the airport mostly consist of Brazilian and American chain restaurants. There are both fast-food and dine-in options, with Red Lobster, Pizza Hut, TGI Friday's, KFC, Starbucks, and McDonald's all having at least one location in the airport.
