The Oculus Tours

The Oculus showing interior views as well as a small group of people
The Oculus featuring interior views
The Oculus which includes outdoor art, street scenes and a city
The Oculus featuring a high rise building, a city and a monument
The Oculus showing interior views


Pose for an iconic New York photo at one of the city’s most talked-about landmarks, a striking retail space and work of art that was 12 years in the making.

Enter the World Trade Center Transportation Hub via the magnificent Oculus, the street-level building and structure that offers access to the hub as well as to a vast shopping and dining space. See for yourself the remarkable structure that took 12 years to create, and was troubled by setbacks along the way. Snap a selfie against one of New York City’s favorite backdrops, the unmistakable sweeping white roof of the Oculus.

Decide for yourself whether the Oculus looks more like a rising dove or a pair of grasping claws, just two of the things the sculptural building has been compared to. It was designed by famed Spanish architect and artist Santiago Calatrava, who envisioned the structure as a pair of wings.

The symbolic importance of the Oculus is very great, since it stands on the site of the 2011 World Trade Center attack. Learn more about this tragedy and pay your respects at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, located on site. It is partly because of the pressure to get this new building just right that it took so long to finish, although the project was also held back by other problems along the way, such as damage caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Step inside the building and see how its interior is every bit as impressive as its outside. Look up and see the bright white rib-like structures that form the ceiling. These ribs are separated by glass, meaning the interior is flooded with light. Discover the many stores and the wide variety of restaurants collected within this futuristic environment.

Visit Lower Manhattan and you cannot miss the Oculus, one of the most arresting structures in a city that is full of them. Get here from almost anywhere in the city via the World Trade Center Transportation Hub beneath the Oculus. The hub offers access to multiple subway lines, the Battery Park City Ferry Terminal and the PATH railway.

Plan a trip to see The Oculus

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Best Lodging Options Near The Oculus

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown

4 out of 5
8 Stone St, New York, NY
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown
Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center

Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center

4 out of 5
140 Washington St, New York, NY
Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center
M Social New York Downtown (Formerly Millennium Downtown New York )

M Social New York Downtown (Formerly Millennium Downtown New York )

4 out of 5
55 Church Street, New York, NY
M Social New York Downtown (Formerly Millennium Downtown New York )
Four Points By Sheraton New York Downtown

Four Points By Sheraton New York Downtown

3.5 out of 5
6 Platt St, New York, NY
Four Points By Sheraton New York Downtown
The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt

The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt

5 out of 5
123 Nassau Street, New York, NY
The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel, by Hyatt
Tribeca Hotel FiDi

Tribeca Hotel FiDi

2 out of 5
102 Greenwich Street, New York, NY
Tribeca Hotel FiDi
World Center Hotel

World Center Hotel

4 out of 5
144 Washington St, New York, NY
World Center Hotel
Moxy NYC Downtown

Moxy NYC Downtown

4 out of 5
26 Ann Street, New York, NY
Moxy NYC Downtown
Artezen Hotel

Artezen Hotel

4 out of 5
24 John Street, New York, NY
Artezen Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Oculus

When visiting The Oculus in New York City, immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere filled with entertainment and live performances. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a free tour that offers memorable experiences and insights into this architectural marvel. For those seeking a unique perspective, a virtual tour provides an engaging way to explore its stunning design and surroundings. Make the most of your time at this iconic destination!

Shopping

The Oculus offers a vibrant shopping experience with Century21 Department Store just 0.1 miles away, perfect for unique finds. Essex Street Market is only 1 mile away, featuring local vendors. If you're up for a drive, Newport Centre, located 2 miles away, has a variety of family-friendly shops.

Recreation

Experience a thrilling event at Barclays Center Brooklyn, just 3 miles from The Oculus, where sports energy abounds. Enjoy live performances at Blue Note Jazz Club, located 1 mile away, soaking in the vibrant music scene. For a fun outing, skate at Rink at Rockefeller Center, 4 miles away.

Adventure

At The Oculus, you can dive into adventure at DreamWorks Water Park, a thrilling waterpark located 7 miles away. Explore the serene Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, located 2 miles away, for a refreshing outdoor experience. For climbing enthusiasts, check out ExtraVertical Climbing Center, located 4 miles away.

Nightlife

The nightlife around The Oculus offers diverse experiences. Visit the adults-only Museum of Sex for a provocative adventure, or catch a show at the Bowery Ballroom, known for its lively culture. For a charming family-friendly atmosphere, enjoy a ride on Jane’s Carousel, a delightful outdoor attraction.

Find the best attractions near The Oculus

The Oculus in New York City offers a vibrant mix of urban parks, historic buildings, and lively streets, perfect for culture lovers and families alike. This iconic landmark provides a unique experience for travelers seeking to explore the rich heritage and modern attractions of the area. Don't miss out on the surrounding points of interest that enhance your visit to this architectural marvel.

  • Statue of Liberty: A symbol of freedom and democracy, this iconic statue is located 2 miles from The Oculus. You can take a ferry to Liberty Island for stunning views and an immersive experience of its history and cultural significance.
  • One World Trade Center: Standing at 0.1 miles from The Oculus, this historic building offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck. The design and memorial elements pay tribute to resilience and hope, making it a powerful visit.
  • Wall Street: Just 0.3 miles away, Wall Street is the heart of America’s financial district. Stroll through its bustling streets, witness historic architecture, and soak in the vibrant city atmosphere that defines New York.

Best time to go to The Oculus

Visitor numbers around The Oculus is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit The Oculus can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The Oculus falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around The Oculus falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Oculus

To save money during your visit to The Oculus, plan your trip between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book about a month in advance and consider Sunday stays for the best rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering options and exploring last-minute deals. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash back on future bookings. For transportation, utilize the subway, which is economical and efficient, and seek out free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Oculus are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around The Oculus about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Oculus is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around The Oculus is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search feature enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can arrange your results by price, starting from the lowest, to easily find the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type—selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will display sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can reserve.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at The Oculus with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.