Real Cities from Grand Theft Auto

Video games often blur the line between fantasy and reality, and few franchises do this better than Grand Theft Auto. Rockstar Games is famous for creating vast, detailed open worlds inspired by real cities. While the names are fictional—like Los Santos, Liberty City, and Vice City—their design, culture, and atmosphere are rooted in actual destinations you can visit. If you’ve ever played GTA and thought, this place feels familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen its real-world counterpart.

Here’s a look at the real cities behind the most iconic Grand Theft Auto maps—and what makes them worth visiting in real life.

1. Los Santos – Los Angeles, California

Los Santos, the sprawling metropolis of Grand Theft Auto V, is almost a one-to-one parody of Los Angeles. From Vinewood (Hollywood) to the beaches of Vespucci (Venice Beach) and the luxury hills of Rockford (Beverly Hills), the game mirrors LA’s diversity of neighborhoods.

What to do in the real city:

• Hike up to the Griffith Observatory for skyline views.

• Stroll Venice Beach boardwalk for street performers and local culture.

• Explore Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and iconic movie studios.

2. Liberty City – New York City, New York

Liberty City, the heart of Grand Theft Auto III and GTA IV, is unmistakably New York City. The skyscrapers of Algonquin resemble Manhattan, Broker stands in for Brooklyn, and Bohan reflects the Bronx. It’s gritty, fast-paced, and full of energy—just like NYC itself.

What to do in the real city:

• Visit Times Square and Central Park.

• Explore Brooklyn’s food and art scene.

• Take a ferry past the Statue of Liberty (or “Statue of Happiness” as GTA calls it).

3. Vice City – Miami, Florida

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is pure neon-soaked nostalgia, inspired by 1980s Miami. Palm trees, pastel Art Deco hotels, and a soundtrack packed with ’80s hits give the game its distinctive vibe. Miami itself offers the same mix of tropical fun and nightlife glamour.

What to do in the real city:

• Relax on South Beach with its iconic pastel buildings.

• Cruise through Little Havana for Cuban coffee and culture.

• Dance the night away at Miami’s world-famous clubs.

4. San Fierro – San Francisco, California

In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, San Fierro represents San Francisco. Known for its steep hills, cable cars, and vibrant counterculture, San Fierro captures the essence of the Bay Area. Though it’s a smaller map in the game, its influence is unmistakable.

What to do in the real city:

• Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge.

• Explore Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf.

• Ride a historic cable car up the city’s hills.

5. Las Venturas – Las Vegas, Nevada

Also part of San Andreas, Las Venturas mirrors the glitz and excess of Las Vegas. Casinos, neon lights, and wedding chapels dominate the landscape in the game, much like in real life.

What to do in the real city:

• Try your luck on the Las Vegas Strip.

• Catch a Cirque du Soleil or headliner concert.

• Take a day trip to the Hoover Dam or Red Rock Canyon.

Why This Connection Matters for Travelers

Part of the joy of playing GTA is exploring a world that feels both fictional and familiar. For travelers, it’s fun to recognize places you’ve virtually “visited” and then see them in reality. Los Santos might let you race down a highway in a stolen car, but the real LA lets you cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway with ocean views just as stunning.

If you’ve ever wanted to step inside your favorite GTA map, you don’t need a controller—just book a trip to its real-world counterpart.