Overview
Vice City is the centerpiece of GTA 6 — a sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis inspired by Miami and Miami Beach. First introduced in 2002's Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, the fictional city became one of gaming's most iconic settings, defined by art deco architecture, pastel-colored hotels, palm-lined boulevards, and a soundtrack dripping with 80s excess. Now, over two decades later, Rockstar is bringing Vice City into the modern era with a contemporary setting that captures today's Miami: the Latin cultural explosion, the crypto wealth, the Instagram influencer scene, and the simmering tension between old-money glamour and new-money chaos.
QUICK FACTS
History in GTA
GTA Vice City (2002) set the standard. Inspired by Scarface, Miami Vice, and Carlito's Way, it dropped players into a neon-drenched 1986 Vice City as Tommy Vercetti. The map was split into two islands — Vice Beach (Miami Beach) and the mainland — connected by bridges. It was smaller than modern GTA maps but impossibly dense with personality: the Malibu Club, the Pole Position, Diaz's mansion on Starfish Island, and Ocean Drive's pastel hotel strip. GTA Vice City Stories (2006) revisited the city in 1984 with Victor Vance's story. Now, GTA 6 (2025) brings Vice City to the present day, massively expanded and reimagined with Rockstar's most ambitious technology.
In GTA 6
GTA 6's Vice City is a dramatically expanded version of the original. Trailer footage reveals a city that stretches far beyond the original two-island layout. The downtown skyline features gleaming glass towers inspired by Brickell's modern development boom. Ocean Drive returns with its iconic art deco hotels, now surrounded by rooftop bars, food trucks, and street performers. Little Cuba (inspired by Little Havana) pulses with Latin culture — street murals, domino tables, and reggaeton blasting from lowriders. Vice Beach captures the modern South Beach vibe: luxury condos, yacht clubs, and influencer-packed pool parties. The detail is staggering — individual NPCs have visible phone screens, street vendors serve food, and the city dynamically shifts between day and night with different populations, traffic patterns, and atmosphere.
Districts & Areas
Activities
Vice City is packed with activities beyond missions. Confirmed and expected features include: beach activities (jet skis, surfing, volleyball), nightclub management, street racing through neon-lit streets, restaurant visits with interactable NPCs, shopping at designer boutiques, gym workouts, tattoo parlors, barber shops, yacht parties, and the return of property purchasing. The city also features dynamic events — police chases, street fights, celebrity sightings, and random encounters that make Vice City feel genuinely alive.
Missions & Story
As the primary city in GTA 6, Vice City hosts the majority of the game's story missions. Lucia and Jason's Bonnie-and-Clyde arc unfolds across its districts — from small-time robberies in Little Cuba to elaborate heists targeting the wealthy on Starfish Island. The city's geography naturally creates mission variety: high-speed chases along the coastal highway, boat pursuits through the marina, rooftop sequences in downtown skyscrapers, and intimate character moments in quieter residential neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vice City in GTA 6?
Yes — Vice City is the primary city in GTA 6. Rockstar has officially confirmed its return, and it features prominently in all released trailers. The city is a modern-day reimagining of the original 2002 Vice City, inspired by contemporary Miami.
How big is Vice City in GTA 6?
Vice City in GTA 6 is significantly larger than the 2002 version and appears to be one of the biggest city environments Rockstar has ever created. It features expanded districts, vertical interior spaces, and a level of detail that makes it feel like a living city.
Is GTA 6 Vice City the same as the original?
GTA 6's Vice City is set in the present day, not the 1980s. While it references and honors the original — familiar landmarks like Ocean Drive and Starfish Island return — the city has been modernized to reflect today's Miami with contemporary architecture, culture, and technology.
What real city is Vice City based on?
Vice City is based on Miami and Miami Beach, Florida. The geography, architecture, culture, and atmosphere are all inspired by the real city — from the art deco hotels of South Beach to the Latin culture of Little Havana to the wealth of Star Island.
Can you explore all of Vice City from the start?
Based on GTA traditions, parts of Vice City may be locked initially and unlock as you progress through the story. However, Rockstar has been moving toward more open designs, so a significant portion should be accessible early.
Last updated April 23, 2026. Location details are based on trailer analysis and official Rockstar communications. For the full searchable database, visit our Locations Wiki (60 entries).