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Westfield World Trade Center Oculus Shopping Guide

Admin_AZ_New_York 2 weeks ago

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Westfield World Trade Center Oculus Shopping Guide

A guide to the stunning architectural marvel that is downtown’s premier shopping and transit hub.

Shopping at the Westfield World Trade Center is an experience defined by its extraordinary setting: the Oculus. Designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, this breathtaking structure is a symbol of resilience and hope, with its soaring white ribs evoking a dove in flight. Inside, the bright, cathedral-like space is home to a vast, multi-level shopping center that seamlessly connects the entire World Trade Center campus underground.

Unlike a traditional mall, shopping here feels like an event. The atmosphere is a dynamic blend of hurried commuters, international tourists, and local New Yorkers, all moving through a monumental piece of public art. The Oculus is a hub of connectivity, but it is also a premier retail destination, housing a diverse mix of over 100 brands, from luxury fashion and beauty to iconic technology flagships and accessible favorites.

This guide, a special curation by AZ New York, is your essential map to navigating the shops, dining, and architectural wonder of the Oculus.

“The Oculus is where commerce meets cathedrals. It’s a shopping experience that lifts your gaze and spirit, a testament to New York’s soaring ambition.“

You might be interested in shopping in these nearby locations

Location	Vibe	Distance (from The Oculus)
Brookfield Place Shopping Guide	Waterfront Luxury & Dining	~0.2 miles (via underground connector)
Financial District Shopping Guide	Corporate & Historic	~0.4 miles
TriBeCa Shopping Guide	Quiet Luxury & Independent Boutiques	~0.5 miles
SoHo Shopping Guide	Trendy & Flagship-Heavy	~0.8 miles
Seaport District Shopping Guide	Historic & Experiential	~0.8 miles

Shopping Guides in Neighboring Areas

4 Tips for Shopping at The Oculus

Use It as a Transit Hub: The Oculus is the World Trade Center Transportation Hub. It connects 12 subway lines and the PATH train, making it the most convenient starting or ending point for a downtown shopping day.
Look for the “Wedge of Light”: Every September 11th at 10:28 AM—the moment the North Tower fell—the central skylight of the Oculus is designed to open, allowing a beam of sunlight to illuminate the main floor in a moment of remembrance.
Explore the Different Levels: The shops are spread across two main floors and several concourses that branch off into the surrounding WTC towers. Don’t forget to explore the upper balconies for great photo opportunities of the main hall.
Find World-Class Dining: The Oculus is directly connected to a huge variety of dining options, from the massive Eataly NYC Downtown in 4 World Trade Center to the upscale food court at Gansevoort Liberty Market.

Keep an Eye On: The Architecture as a Symbol.

The Oculus was designed by Santiago Calatrava to be a powerful symbol. The exterior form is meant to resemble a dove being released from a child’s hands, a message of peace and hope. Inside, the massive, unobstructed space—longer than the main hall of Grand Central Terminal—is supported by “columns of light,” creating a feeling of optimism and uplift.

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The entire structure is a functional piece of art that transforms the daily commute into a moment of awe. Take a moment to stand in the center of the main floor and simply look up to fully appreciate its scale and beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Oculus?

The Oculus is the main station house of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub. It serves as a major transit center and is also home to the Westfield World Trade Center shopping mall, with over 100 stores and restaurants.

Is the Oculus just a shopping mall?

No, it is a major piece of public infrastructure and a significant architectural landmark. While it contains a large shopping center, its primary function is as a transportation hub, and it serves as a powerful symbol of rebirth for Lower Manhattan.

How do I get to the Oculus?

It is one of the most accessible locations in NYC. You can take the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, E, J, Z, R, or W subway lines to various stations connected directly to the WTC campus, or the PATH train from New Jersey.

Ranking: 10 Best Shops at The Oculus

Below, check out the ranking of the 10 must-visit destinations in this architectural wonder, in a special curation by AZ New York.

1. Apple Store

A flagship experience in a landmark location. The Apple Store at the Oculus is a massive, two-level space that is one of the busiest in the world. It offers the full range of Apple products and services, set against the stunning backdrop of Calatrava’s architecture.
Address: 185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 285-0019
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: apple.com/retail/worldtradecenter/
Neighborhood: Financial District
Highlight: A major architectural store within an architectural marvel.

2. Eataly NYC Downtown

While technically in 4 World Trade Center, Eataly is directly connected to and an essential part of the Oculus experience. This huge, vibrant Italian marketplace features multiple restaurants, cafes, and counters, plus a grocery with high-quality imported goods, all with stunning views of the 9/11 Memorial.
Address: 101 Liberty St, Floor 3, New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 897-2895
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: eataly.com
Neighborhood: Financial District
Highlight: A one-stop-shop for authentic Italian dining and grocery.

3. Sephora

The go-to destination for beauty lovers. The Oculus location of the global beauty retailer is a large, bright store offering an extensive selection of makeup, skincare, fragrance, and hair care from hundreds of brands, along with in-store beauty services.
Address: 185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 574-3480
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: sephora.com
Neighborhood: Financial District
Highlight: A massive and convenient beauty destination within the transit hub.

4. & Other Stories

Part of the H&M group, & Other Stories offers chic and sophisticated apparel, shoes, and accessories with a Parisian-atelier aesthetic. The store is a favorite among fashion insiders for its unique designs and high-quality pieces at an accessible price point.
Address: 185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 571-0810
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: stories.com
Neighborhood: Financial District
Highlight: The go-to for stylish, modern, and feminine fashion.

5. John Varvatos

The definitive brand for rock-and-roll-infused luxury menswear. The John Varvatos boutique brings a cool, downtown edge to the Oculus, offering impeccably crafted leather jackets, tailored clothing, and the brand’s signature footwear.
Address: 185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 228-0688
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: johnvarvatos.com
Neighborhood: Financial District
Highlight: The premier destination for rock-inspired luxury menswear.

6. Kate Spade New York

Known for its playful sophistication and vibrant colors, the Kate Spade boutique is a destination for chic handbags, clothing, jewelry, and accessories that embody a joyful New York spirit.
Address: 185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 488-2848
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: katespade.com
Neighborhood: Financial District
Highlight: A world of colorful, witty, and feminine accessories.

7. Moleskine

A haven for creatives, writers, and organizers. The Moleskine store offers the brand’s complete collection of iconic notebooks, planners, pens, and smart writing systems, providing the tools for productivity and creativity.
Address: 185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 287-0422
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: moleskine.com
Neighborhood: Financial District
Highlight: The ultimate destination for premium notebooks and writing tools.

8. COS

Also part of the H&M group, COS (Collection of Style) is known for its minimalist aesthetic, clean lines, and high-quality, architectural designs. The store offers timeless and functional wardrobe essentials for men and women who appreciate modern design.
Address: 185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
Phone: (855) 832-1836
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: cos.com
Neighborhood: Financial District
Highlight: The top choice for minimalist, high-street fashion with a designer feel.

9. Breitling

A leader in high-performance chronographs, the Breitling boutique offers a bold and sophisticated environment to explore its world of aviation and dive watches. It’s a key destination in the Oculus for luxury Swiss timepieces.
Address: 185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 571-0210
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: breitling.com
Neighborhood: Financial District
Highlight: A premier destination for high-performance Swiss watches.

10. Aesop

The Australian skincare brand’s boutique is a beautifully designed, minimalist sanctuary. The store offers the full range of their beloved skin, hair, and body care products, with knowledgeable staff who can provide personalized consultations and generous samples.
Address: 185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 422-1130
WhatsApp: Not available.
Site: aesop.com
Neighborhood: Financial District
Highlight: A serene atmosphere and expertly formulated botanical skincare.

All research and the final selection of the shops in this guide were carried out by the team at AZ New York.

Explore Our Guides to New York City

Neighborhood Shopping Guides

For a look at another iconic shopping center integrated with a major transit hub in a global city, you can also explore the shops at Shopping Light in São Paulo.

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