Westfield WTC (Oculus) Shopping in NYC — A Complete Guide

General Shopping Center Information

10 Nearby Shopping Centers & Attractions

Approximate distances from the Oculus main floor. Many are accessible via the underground concourse.

5 Featured Stores & Attractions

1. Apple World Trade Center
2. Eataly NYC Downtown (Dining/Market)
3. Sephora
4. The Oculus (Architecture)
5. John Varvatos

25 Relevant Stores and Services

1. Apple
2. Sephora
3. John Varvatos
4. Dior Perfume & Beauty
5. Longines
6. Breitling
7. London Jewelers
8. Kate Spade
9. Coach
10. Tumi
11. H&M
12. Banana Republic
13. Cole Haan
14. Zara
15. Lululemon
16. Kiehl’s
17. Aesop
18. Rituals
19. Duane Reade (Walgreens)
20. Pandora
21. Samsung
22. Nespresso
23. Caudalie
24. Castellani
25. Eataly NYC Downtown

This complex mixes luxury, tech, and mainstream retail, serving both tourists and commuters.

Dining Options (Featured Restaurants)

The WTC complex is a major dining destination, anchored by Eataly.

1. Eataly NYC Downtown (Italian Market & Restaurants)
2. Shake Shack
3. Blue Bottle Coffee
4. Market Lane (Food Hall)
5. Joe & The Juice
6. Lady M Cake Boutique
7. Pret A Manger

Pet-Friendly

Yes. The Oculus main floor is a public transit hub and common area, so leashed dogs are welcome to walk through. However, individual stores and restaurants (especially Eataly) will only permit service animals.

Sustainability and Environmental Policy

The Westfield WTC complex is a leader in sustainable design.

• • LEED Gold Certified: The entire complex achieved LEED Gold certification.
  • Natural Light: The Calatrava design is not just for looks; the central skylight opens and is designed to maximize natural light, reducing electricity use.

* Green Materials: The center was built using a high percentage of recycled and locally sourced materials.
* Transit-Oriented: Its primary function is to encourage public transportation, the most sustainable way to travel in NYC.

Useful Tips for Visitors

• • Go for the Photo: The main reason to visit is the architecture. The best photo op is from the center of the main floor or from the upper balconies looking down.
  • Underground Concourse: You can walk from the Oculus to Brookfield Place, 1 WTC, and several subway lines entirely underground—perfect for rainy or cold days.
  • The Skylight: The 355-foot-long skylight (“The Wedge of Light”) is designed to open on temperate days and symbolically opens fully every September 11th.

* Best Restrooms: The public restrooms here are famously clean, new, and plentiful—a valuable resource in Lower Manhattan.

• Avoid Rush Hour: The main floor is a major commuter hub for PATH trains to NJ. It gets extremely crowded between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM on weekdays.

Fun Facts

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• The architect, Santiago Calatrava, has stated the design is meant to resemble a bird being released from a child’s hands.
• The Oculus cost nearly $4 billion to build, making it the most expensive train station in the world.
• The main hall is longer than the main concourse of Grand Central Terminal.
• The entire structure is built from 11,500 tons of structural steel, all fabricated in Italy.
• The white marble used on the floors is the same marble sourced from the same Italian quarry as the marble on the 9/11 Memorial.

District Rules and Procedures

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• • As a high-security area (part of the WTC), there is a heavy security and police presence (PAPD, NYPD).
  • Drones are strictly prohibited in the entire WTC complex, including the plaza.

* Photography: Personal photography is encouraged. Professional equipment (tripods, lighting) requires a permit.

• Do not block commuter pathways on the main floor, especially during rush hour.

Other Services and Infrastructure

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• WTC Transportation Hub: Direct access to 11 subway lines and the PATH train to New Jersey.
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum: The complex is the gateway to the memorial and museum.
• One World Observatory: The observation deck is accessed through the WTC complex.
• Guest Services: A concierge desk is available for store directories, event information, and tourist assistance.