One of the most fascinating aspects of the Grand Theft Auto franchise is how its fictional cities feel incredibly lifelike. This is because many of them are inspired by real-world locations, capturing not only the physical look but also the culture, atmosphere, and chaos of their real-life counterparts.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 iconic cities from the GTA series and the real-world places that influenced their design. From the sun-soaked streets of Vice City to the bustling chaos of Liberty City, these locations are more than just backdrops — they’re characters in their own right.
10. Los Santos → Los Angeles, California
First Appearance: GTA: San Andreas (2004), fully realized in GTA V (2013)
Real-Life Inspiration: Los Angeles, California
Los Santos is Rockstar Games’ dynamic and detailed recreation of Los Angeles, brought to life in the Grand Theft Auto universe. From sprawling freeway systems and luxury mansions to gang-controlled neighborhoods and sun-soaked beaches, Los Santos mirrors the real-world energy and chaos of LA. The city includes satirical versions of iconic neighborhoods like Venice Beach (Vespucci), Beverly Hills (Richman), and Hollywood (Vinewood), making it one of the most realistic and immersive open-world cities in video game history. Whether you’re exploring the urban core or cruising along the coast, Los Santos captures the essence of Southern California in true GTA fashion.
9. Liberty City → New York City, New York
First Appearance: GTA III (2001), reinvented in GTA IV (2008)
Real-Life Inspiration: New York City, New York
Liberty City is Grand Theft Auto’s gritty and atmospheric take on New York City, and one of the franchise’s most iconic locations. Known for its dense urban layout and towering skyline, Liberty City captures the essence of NYC’s energy, diversity, and chaos. The city mirrors the real-life five boroughs — with Algonquin representing Manhattan, Broker as Brooklyn, and Dukes standing in for Queens. Rockstar also cleverly reimagines landmarks like the Statue of Happiness (a parody of the Statue of Liberty) and Star Junction (GTA’s version of Times Square), making Liberty City a must-explore destination in the GTA universe.
8. Vice City → Miami, Florida
First Appearance: GTA: Vice City (2002)
Real-Life Inspiration: Miami, Florida
Vice City is Rockstar’s vibrant homage to Miami, drenched in neon lights, 1980s nostalgia, and tropical chaos. Set during a fictionalized version of Miami’s infamous drug era, the city is known for its Art Deco architecture, pastel-colored buildings, palm-lined streets, and sun-soaked beaches. The atmosphere is rich with Latin American culture, flashy fashion, and a synth-heavy soundtrack that channels the vibe of Miami Vice and Scarface. Vice City stands out as one of Grand Theft Auto’s most stylish and memorable settings, blending glamour and danger in perfect balance.
7. San Fierro → San Francisco, California
First Appearance: GTA: San Andreas (2004)
Real-Life Inspiration: San Francisco, California
San Fierro is Grand Theft Auto’s fictional take on San Francisco, known for its steep hills, foggy skyline, and vibrant cultural mix. The city features clear nods to real-life landmarks, including the Gant Bridge, a stand-in for the Golden Gate Bridge, and a bustling Chinatown district. San Fierro also embraces the city’s hippie roots and tech-influenced undertones, reflecting the Bay Area’s unique blend of counterculture and innovation. With its diverse neighborhoods and iconic coastal atmosphere, San Fierro adds a west coast charm to the GTA universe.
6. Las Venturas → Las Vegas, Nevada
First Appearance: GTA: San Andreas (2004)
Real-Life Inspiration: Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Venturas is Rockstar’s glitzy and chaotic tribute to Las Vegas, bringing the city of sin to life in the Grand Theft Auto world. This fictional city is packed with bright neon lights, lavish casinos, quickie wedding chapels, and flashy signs — all set against a stark desert backdrop. Las Venturas perfectly captures the over-the-top spirit of Vegas, complete with Elvis impersonators, mob-run casinos, and nonstop nightlife. It’s a playground for high-stakes risk and impulsive decisions, making it one of GTA’s most fun and outrageous settings.
5. Alderney → Northern New Jersey
First Appearance: GTA IV (2008)
Real-Life Inspiration: Northern New Jersey
Alderney is Grand Theft Auto’s gritty interpretation of New Jersey, featured alongside Liberty City in GTA IV. Inspired by cities like Newark, Jersey City, and Bayonne, Alderney showcases industrial areas, urban sprawl, and working-class suburbs. While often overshadowed by the glitz and chaos of Liberty City, Alderney plays a crucial role in the game’s narrative — especially in storylines involving organized crime and political corruption. Its tough exterior and mob-heavy atmosphere make it a grounded and authentic extension of the GTA universe’s East Coast setting.
4. Carcer City → Detroit, Michigan
Referenced In: Manhunt and the GTA Universe
Real-Life Inspiration: Detroit, Michigan
Carcer City is a dark and dystopian locale within the shared universe of Grand Theft Auto and Manhunt. Although it hasn’t appeared in a mainline GTA title, it’s frequently referenced as a crime-ridden sister city to Liberty City. Strongly inspired by Detroit, Carcer City is defined by its urban decay, institutional corruption, and brutal violence. With abandoned buildings, failing infrastructure, and a hopeless atmosphere, it represents the most extreme end of Rockstar’s gritty world-building. Fans continue to speculate about its potential appearance in future GTA games.
3. Cottonmouth → New Orleans, Louisiana
Seen In: Manhunt 2 (2007)
Real-Life Inspiration: New Orleans, Louisiana
Cottonmouth is a dark, atmospheric city from Manhunt 2 that fits seamlessly within Rockstar’s gritty narrative universe. Believed to be inspired by New Orleans, Cottonmouth is steeped in Southern Gothic vibes, featuring swampy outskirts, historic architecture, and an undercurrent of crime and political corruption. While not featured directly in the Grand Theft Auto series, its tone — filled with tension, mystery, and moral decay — mirrors the grimy realism and satirical edge that defines the GTA franchise. It remains a haunting backdrop that fans hope to see more of in future Rockstar titles.
2. GTA: London → London, England
Seen In: GTA: London 1969 (1999)
Real-Life Inspiration: London, United Kingdom
GTA: London 1969 marked a rare departure from the series’ U.S.-based settings, taking players back to the swinging sixties in London. As one of the only Grand Theft Auto entries set in a real-world city, this expansion delivered a uniquely British experience — complete with period-specific vehicles, cockney slang, and classic British law enforcement. The game captures the essence of 1960s London, offering a stylish, tongue-in-cheek time capsule that proves GTA’s signature chaos and satire can thrive beyond American borders.
1. Upcoming Vice City (GTA VI) → Modern-Day Miami
Expected In: GTA VI (2025)
Real-Life Inspiration: Miami, Florida
All signs point to a highly anticipated return to Vice City in GTA VI, with a fresh and updated take on modern-day Miami. The trailers suggest a revamped skyline, reflecting Miami’s booming urban growth, while retaining the city’s signature vibrant culture and tropical atmosphere. Expect a deeper exploration of Florida’s cultural melting pot, from its diverse communities to its wild, headline-grabbing stories. With new technology and storytelling advancements, this version of Vice City promises to be one of the most dynamic and immersive environments in GTA history.
