Fodor's Expert Review Brookfield Place

Once called the Winter Garden, this expanded mall and event destination in the World Financial Center stands out for its towering palm trees, New York Harbor and WTC plaza views, and luxury stores, including downtown outlets for Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, not to mention more down-to-earth shopping at J.Crew, Bonobos, and Lululemon. More interesting might be the dining options, including the best food court downtown, Hudson Eats (which has Black Seed Bagel, Dos Toros Taqueria, and Ani Ramen), among many other offerings. On the ground floor is Le District, a kind of Eataly for French cuisine. Outside in summer is an outdoor dining area with food stands (and a bar); in winter it becomes an ice-skating rink. Look out for events both during the week and on weekends year-round.