Brookfield Place New York: Shopping, Dining & More in 2025
Planning a shopping day in Lower Manhattan? Brookfield Place New York is one of the most luxurious and scenic malls in the city. Located along the Hudson River, it offers high-end shopping, waterfront dining, and stunning views of the harbor. Whether you’re after fashion, food, or a peaceful indoor escape, this Lower Manhattan shopping mall has it all.
In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about Brookfield Place New York. From how to get there and what to expect, to where to shop and eat, we cover it all. You’ll also learn how it compares to other malls in NYC and why it’s a top choice for locals and visitors alike.
If you’re visiting during the holidays, Brookfield Place becomes even more festive with lights, seasonal pop-ups, and family-friendly events. For a full view of New York’s holiday calendar, check out our complete guide to the Holiday Season in NYC with all 2025 dates. And if you’re still planning your itinerary, don’t miss our list of the Best Things to Do at Christmas in New York.
We also share daily inspiration and Christmas updates on Instagram at @MyChristmasinNewYorkCity. Follow us for tips, behind-the-scenes, and magical reels straight from the city.
Let’s dive into what makes Brookfield Place one of the best places to shop, eat, and relax in New York City.
Table of Contents
What Is Brookfield Place New York?
Brookfield Place New York is a high-end shopping and dining complex located in the heart of Lower Manhattan. Overlooking the Hudson River, this modern waterfront destination brings together luxury boutiques, upscale restaurants, public art, and cultural events, all under one sleek glass roof.
Formerly known as the World Financial Center, Brookfield Place was renamed after extensive renovations following the events of 9/11. Today, it stands as a symbol of Lower Manhattan’s rebirth. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to shop, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the New York waterfront.
The space is owned and operated by Brookfield Properties, one of the largest real estate firms in the world. The development spans over 8 million square feet of office, retail, and public space, making it one of the largest complexes of its kind in the city.
Brookfield Place isn’t just a mall. It’s a hub for fashion, fine dining, events, and indoor comfort, especially valuable during the winter season. Whether you’re spending an afternoon exploring the shops or grabbing a bite with waterfront views, it offers a refined experience away from the Midtown crowds.
Curious about how big Brookfield Place is? Or what it’s actually used for? Keep reading. We’ll answer all your questions and show you why this place is one of the most underrated spots for shopping in New York City.
Where Is Brookfield Place New York?
Brookfield Place is located in Lower Manhattan at 230 Vesey Street, right on the Hudson River. It sits across from Battery Park City and just steps from the World Trade Center. This waterfront mall is one of the most scenic places to shop in New York, especially during the day when the sunlight fills the glass atrium and you can enjoy views of the harbor.
You can reach Brookfield Place easily from anywhere in the city. Several subway lines stop nearby, including the 1, R, W, A, C, and E. The complex is also directly connected to the Oculus via a short underground walkway. If you’re arriving from New Jersey, the PATH train and NY Waterway ferries both stop within walking distance. The Brookfield Place Terminal is one of the most beautiful ferry landings in New York, especially at sunset.
Yes, Brookfield Place is connected to the Oculus. You can walk from one to the other without going outside, making it an ideal destination during colder months.
Because Brookfield Place sits far downtown, it’s best enjoyed during daylight hours. The area gets quiet at night, especially on weekdays. If you’re looking to explore Lower Manhattan after dark, we recommend joining our Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour. It combines walking and bus travel through the most festive holiday spots downtown, including historic sites and hidden Christmas gems.
Brookfield Place New York Shopping
Brookfield Place New York offers one of the best shopping experiences in the city. This luxury mall features a curated mix of designer stores, premium brands, and stylish boutiques. All under one roof with waterfront views.
In 2025, some of the most popular Brookfield Place shops include Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Theory, BOSS, and Tory Burch. You’ll also find lifestyle and beauty brands like Lululemon, Jo Malone, and Bluemercury. Whether you’re looking for fashion, accessories, gifts, or skincare, this shopping center delivers quality and comfort.
Brookfield Place is known for its calm and upscale atmosphere. Unlike busy Midtown stores, it rarely feels overcrowded. The natural light from the glass walls and palm trees in the Winter Garden create a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for a slow afternoon of browsing. This makes it a top pick for anyone searching for peaceful, luxury shopping in New York City.
The mall often hosts seasonal pop-ups and limited-edition collections, especially during the holidays. Many shoppers consider it one of the best places to shop in New York thanks to its thoughtful design, cleanliness, and premium store lineup.
If you want to combine shopping with scenic views and great food, Brookfield Place stands out from other Lower Manhattan shopping malls. Keep reading to discover the top restaurants and food court options right inside the complex.
Shopping Mall Food Court and Restaurants
Shopping isn’t the only reason to visit Brookfield Place. Its dining options are just as impressive. From quick bites to elegant sit-down meals, the mall features some of the best restaurants in Lower Manhattan.
The food court, called Hudson Eats, overlooks the Hudson River and offers a bright, modern space with large windows and plenty of seating. It includes well-loved NYC favorites like Blue Ribbon Sushi, Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, Umami Burger, Dig, and Dos Toros. It’s a great spot for lunch, especially if you want variety without leaving the building.
Looking for something more upscale? Brookfield Place restaurants also include Le District, a French-inspired market and brasserie with multiple dining areas. You’ll find wine bars, cheese counters, a bakery, and even a seafood grill. All within the same space. If you’re after a coffee or dessert, there’s also an outpost of Épicerie Boulud and several café spots scattered throughout the complex.
In 2025, Brookfield Place continues to raise the bar for food courts in New York. The views are unbeatable, the food quality is high, and there’s something for every taste and budget.
If you’re exploring Lower Manhattan and want a break from the tourist crowds near the World Trade Center, Brookfield Place is the perfect place to relax and refuel.
Things To Do at The Lower Manhattan Shopping Center
Brookfield Place is more than just a shopping mall. It’s also a cultural and lifestyle destination. The space regularly hosts public art installations, events, and seasonal experiences that make it one of the most unique places to visit in Lower Manhattan.
At the center is the Winter Garden, a stunning indoor plaza filled with palm trees and natural light. It often features live performances, art exhibits, and free events. During the holidays, the space transforms with lights, festive decor, and photo-friendly moments. It’s one of the most beautiful indoor Christmas spots downtown.
One of the highlights in winter is the Brookfield Place Ice Rink. Set outside along the waterfront, this open-air rink offers beautiful views of the Hudson River and New York Harbor. It’s less crowded than the Midtown rinks and often feels more relaxed. In 2025, the rink is expected to open in late November and run through early March, weather permitting.
In the warmer months, Brookfield Place also hosts film screenings, live music, and wellness classes on its outdoor plaza. The riverside walkway is ideal for a quiet stroll or sunset view, making it a perfect year-round destination.
Whether you’re shopping, skating, dining, or simply enjoying the scenery, Brookfield Place offers a full New York experience in one stunning location.
Luminaries at Brookfield Place
If you’re looking for one of the most magical indoor holiday displays in New York City, don’t miss Luminaries at Brookfield Place. From November 23 through January 5, 2025, the Winter Garden transforms into a glowing forest of 640 suspended lanterns, designed by the LAB at Rockwell Group.
This interactive light installation invites guests to send motion-activated wishes to the lanterns between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM daily. Each wish triggers a colorful display and also supports a good cause. Brookfield Place donates $1 per interaction to the GO Project, which helps NYC public school students thrive.
In addition to the wishing experience, you can catch free light shows every hour from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, set to festive holiday music like Let It Snow and Winter Wonderland. The combination of glowing lights, music, and palm trees under a glass atrium makes it one of the best indoor photo ops in New York during the holidays.
It’s free, family-friendly, and entirely indoors. Perfect for a cozy holiday moment downtown. Whether you’re shopping, grabbing lunch, or just strolling through, be sure to step into the glow and feel the magic of the season.
Santa at Brookfield Place
Meeting Santa in New York doesn’t have to mean waiting in long lines outdoors. At Brookfield Place, the Selfies with Santa experience offers a warm, stylish, and free alternative inside the Winter Garden.
From November 28 through December 24, 2025, families are invited to capture festive moments with Santa in a sunlit atrium filled with holiday decor, crafts, candy canes, and even a giant sandcastle. There’s no need to book in advance. Simply scan the QR code on arrival to join the virtual queue. You’ll get a text alert when it’s your turn, so you can shop, dine, or enjoy the light displays while you wait.
Santa’s helpers are available to assist with photos, and you’re encouraged to use your own phone or camera. On select evenings, guests can even bring their pups for a holiday-themed pet portrait. Dogs must be under 25 pounds and carried or placed in a carrier.
This event is one of the best indoor Santa experiences in New York. It’s free, festive, and much more relaxed than most city alternatives. Perfect for families looking to combine holiday fun with a day of shopping or ice skating.
Brookfield Place Ice Rink
Skating by the water doesn’t get better than this. The Rink at Brookfield Place offers a premium skating experience on the Waterfront Terrace, with breathtaking views of the Hudson River and New York Harbor.
The rink opens for the 2025–2026 season in November and runs through March 1, 2026, weather permitting. It operates with timed sessions throughout the day. On weekdays, skating starts at 2:00 PM and runs until 9:15 PM. On weekends and holidays, sessions begin as early as 9:00 AM. Each session lasts one hour with short breaks in between.
This boutique rink is smaller than Bryant Park or Rockefeller Center but feels more exclusive and less crowded. It’s ideal for couples, families, or anyone looking for a peaceful and scenic place to skate in downtown Manhattan. Visitors can also book private lessons, birthday parties, or special events directly through the rink’s management.
After your skate, warm up inside with a coffee or meal from Hudson Eats, then take a stroll under the glowing Luminaries in the Winter Garden.
The Brookfield Place Ice Rink is one of the most underrated holiday experiences in New York. Elegant, relaxed, and perfectly festive.
Shopping Center Map and Layout
Brookfield Place is large, modern, and easy to navigate. The shopping center covers several city blocks and includes multiple levels of retail, dining, and office space. It’s part of a larger complex known as the Brookfield Place campus, which also includes four commercial towers and the Winter Garden atrium.
Wondering how big Brookfield Place really is? The full complex spans over 8 million square feet, with nearly 400,000 square feet dedicated to retail and dining. The layout is clean and spacious, with wide walkways, clear signage, and elevator access to all floors.
Inside, stores are grouped by type. Fashion boutiques line the main floor, while beauty, tech, and lifestyle shops are scattered throughout. The Hudson Eats food court sits on the upper level, overlooking the water, and many restaurants offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
The Winter Garden connects the shopping center to the Oculus and PATH station, making it a key part of the downtown pedestrian network. From there, you can walk to Battery Park City, the World Trade Center, or hop on the ferry at Brookfield Place Terminal.
If you’re visiting for the first time, look out for the digital kiosks throughout the mall. They provide a full Brookfield Place map with store directories, event info, and directions.
Brookfield Place vs Other Shopping Malls in NYC
New York City offers endless places to shop, but not all malls deliver the same experience. Brookfield Place stands out for its mix of luxury, design, and calm atmosphere. Especially compared to other shopping centers in Manhattan.
Unlike the Shops at Hudson Yards, which sit in a busy, vertical layout surrounded by skyscrapers, Brookfield Place opens out to the water and offers natural light and space to breathe. Its palm-lined Winter Garden and waterfront esplanade create a relaxed vibe that’s rare in New York retail.
Compared to the Westfield World Trade Center inside the Oculus, Brookfield Place offers a more refined experience. While the Oculus is visually stunning, its shopping selection leans more toward mid-range and commuter-friendly brands. Brookfield Place, on the other hand, focuses on luxury and boutique shopping with fewer crowds and a more peaceful setting.
If you’re visiting Downtown Manhattan, both the Oculus and Brookfield Place are worth exploring. But if you have time for just one, Brookfield Place is often the better choice for a full afternoon of shopping, eating, and relaxing with a view.
It’s also more family-friendly and ideal for holiday visits, thanks to its seasonal events, ice rink, and Christmas displays.
Final Tips for Visiting Brookfield Place
If you’re planning to explore Brookfield Place, daytime is the best time to go. The natural light, the views of the harbor, and the quiet, elegant atmosphere all shine during the day. Whether you’re shopping, grabbing lunch at Hudson Eats, or skating by the waterfront, Brookfield Place is one of the most relaxing places to visit in Lower Manhattan.
While it’s not included in our tours, it fits perfectly into your NYC holiday itinerary. You can visit Brookfield Place on your own during the day, then join us after dark for something even more magical.
Our Holiday Spirit in Manhattan Tour explores the festive side of Lower Manhattan at night. We take you through beautifully decorated streets, historic sites, and some of the city’s most underrated Christmas spots, without the stress of figuring it out on your own. It’s the perfect way to see a different side of downtown New York once the lights go on.
So spend a calm afternoon at Brookfield Place, then let us show you what Lower Manhattan looks like once the Christmas magic begins.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
