Oculus in New York: Is it worth a visit?

Published on 18 July 2024,. Last updated on 5 December 2025, New York Info

The Oculus in New York City is one of New York’s newest architectural gems. It was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. And it is meant to be a monument to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. And it can be found at One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial.

The Oculus in New York City

The Oculus was designed by famed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. According to the architect, the shape of this beautiful building in New York is said to refer to a hand releasing a dove. The building consists of a structure of glass and steel with a thickness less than that of an iPhone. And the project would have cost more than four billion dollars. The Oculus is intended as a monument and lasting reminder of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

World Trade Center Transportation Hub

The Oculus in New York City is a is beautiful transportation Hub that is home to the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, or also known as PATH station. Also housed in the Oculus is Westfield’s wonderful Shops at the Oculus, with many stores and dozens of eateries. In addition, The Oculus has access points to the large World Trade Center campus, including private entrances to commercial office towers at One World Trade Center, 3 World Trade Center and 4 World Trade Center and is connected to Brookfield Place via West Concourse.

Westfield World Trade Center Shoppingmall

In the hall below the Oculus and in towers 2 World Trade Center, 3 World Trade Center and 4 World Trade Center you will find the Westfield World Trade Center Shoppingmal. This beautiful mall is the largest shopping center in New York. And so for those who want to do extensive shopping in New York, this is a great place to go. In fact, it has over 350,000 square feet of stores and eateries. So you can find stores of different brands, such as Boss, Banana Republic, Sephora, Swarovski, Pandora, H&M and many other popular brands. During peak hours, the mall can be very busy. So if you like to store at your leisure and admire the Oculus, go early in the morning before 10:00 am.

Eating and drinking at the Oculus in New York

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a cup of coffee or an on-the-spot meal, the Oculus in New York has several eateries you can visit during your visit, including Starbucks, Downtown Yogurt, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Dunkin, Haagen-Dazs, Gansevoort Market and many more great eateries.

Brookfield Place New York

Through the West Concourse at the Oculus in New York, you can walk to nearby Brookfield Place. Formerly what was the winter Garden of the WTC, today it is a beautiful upscale mall that caters to locals. The Brookfield Place has a beautiful glass central space with as many as 2,000 glass windows, all of which had fallen during the Sept. 11 attacks, but they have since been restored.

Attractions near the Oculus

Around the Oculus in new York and in Lower Manhattan you’ll find some of New York City’s most popular attractions, including One World Observatory and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Liberty parc, Peelman performing art center and the ST. Nichoas Greek Orthodox Church.

Is the Oculus worth a visit?

The Oculus is definitely worth a visit. It is an incredible piece of architecture located in the World Trade Center. You can store, eat and drink and it has a peaceful atmosphere full of symbolism after the terrible events of 9/11.

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