This city within a city is part of the state of Sao Paulo, and is its second most populous city. The name refers to the original indigenous people of the region, although today you are more likely to encounter skyscrapers and a mix of residents from all over the globe, rather than a traditional native South American community.

Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, is a vibrant urban hub, a cultural centre and a foodie’s paradise. You’ll find that there are lots of things to like about this city. Whether it’s the entertainment scene, the museums or the opportunities to explore the culture, the city has plenty to offer.

Book a flight to Sao Paulo with Qatar Airways and discover a very different side of Brazilian life.

Book a flight from Beijing with Qatar Airways and you’ll fly from one of the busiest international airports in the world. Situated around 32km from the city centre and ranked as the second busiest airport for passengers in the world, this modern, efficient airport has an excellent safety record and a reputation for outstanding passenger care. The focus (primarily due to the sheer volume of traffic) is on efficiency, and passengers are able to check in within minutes of arriving, making it a pleasant departure point for international travel and particularly popular with business travellers on tight schedules.

Transportation and parking

The airport is extensive, with three large terminals, regular shuttles run between the terminals and parking areas. The Beijing Subway's Airport Express runs to T2 and T3 and takes around 20 minutes from the city centre. Shuttles run between the major hotels and the airport and are remarkably efficient and regular. It takes approximately 45 minutes from the centre of Beijing to the airport by shuttle. Taxis are plentiful, but as many drivers do not speak English it is best to ask your hotel concierge to book a taxi for you. Taxi journeys take approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions. Parking at the airport is provided for both short and long-term stays, but proportional to the size of the airport, spaces are limited.

Arriving in Beijing

Passengers flying from Beijing with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal 3 Concourse E. While T3 is huge, it is incredibly well organised and run, so passengers should have no difficulty checking in and clearing security checks. This ultra-modern terminal has everything passengers need, including exclusive lounges for business and first-class passengers, and electrical power points next to every chair in the Departure waiting areas.

Facilities and amenities

Facilities at the airport are exceptional, particularly in the main Terminal - 3. Terminal 3 has 243 elevators, escalators or moving walkways, so getting around is easy. The surroundings are incredibly modern, yet there is the tranquillity of an indoor garden in the heart of the terminal for a chance to get some peace and quiet before your flight leaves. Food and drink options include tea houses, fast food restaurants and traditional Chinese cuisine, as well as international restaurants. The shopping court is outstanding, offering everything from Duty Free through to traditional Chinese goods for those last-minute souvenirs.

This city within a city is part of the state of Sao Paulo, and is its second most populous city. The name refers to the original indigenous people of the region, although today you are more likely to encounter skyscrapers and a mix of residents from all over the globe, rather than a traditional native South American community.

Book a flight to Guarulhos with Qatar Airways and you can experience all the luxury of a modern and efficient service, coupled with traditional standards of service and courtesy. You’ll land in a vibrant and busy city that has plenty to offer both business and leisure visitors.

Tourist attractions

Despite its rapidly expanding commercial centre, the city is well known for its parks and open spaces. Some of the best to visit if you want to escape the somewhat frenetic pace of life include the delightful Guarulhos Forest Garden, the tranquillity of Maia Woods, or a fine example of what can happen when municipal parks are done well, the lush and relaxing Cantareira State Park.

The city is focused on the arts, and two theatres in particular stand out, the Nelson Rodriques Theater and the Padre Bento Theater. However, if you want to experience an even greater arts scene then the city of Sao Paulo itself has a huge selection of venues to choose from, including classical music and contemporary dance.

A short journey will take you into the heart of Sao Paulo itself, with its Historic Center that actually celebrates contemporary architecture rather than older buildings. You will also find the majority of the State’s museums in Sao Paulo, including the Museu do Ipiranga and Memorial da América Latina, which both hold extensive collections of native artefacts and art.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Guarulhos with Qatar Airways land at São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport, one of the busiest air transport hubs in South America. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Guarulhos please check the visa and passport requirements