What's Batman without Gotham City? There are perhaps no other characters whose story has become most defined by the location it takes place in. The crime-ridden street of the DC setting is home to numerous famous narratives, each of which takes full advantage of the unique architecture of this gothic area.
Most of the locations across Gotham City have become incredibly famous because of significant events that have taken place there and their various adaptations on the big and small screen. These settings are important because of the heroes and villains associated with them alongside the iconography of the structures themselves.
Wayne Manor And Tower
Both Wayne Manor and Wayne Tower have hosted Bruce's extracurricular activities. While one sits on the outskirts of the City, away from the events of the streets, the other is in a prime location at the very heart of Gotham. The Manor and the Tower each boast their own defensive capabilities and are home to Batman's impressive gadgets and an array of gear.
Wayne Tower is the most famous and important of the two areas though. It sits atop the iconic Batcave and was Bruce's home for so many years. He was brought up in those walls by Alfred, but Wayne Tower very much represents the vigilante's evolution into a businessman.
The GCPD
The Gotham City Police Department is such a crucial part of the infrastructure of the location. Fans of Gotham know that the GCPD is really the last line of defense, backing up Batman when he needs it the most. The Headquarters itself is home to Commissioner Gordon and the brave officers who put their lives on the line.
It's been at the heart of some of Batman's most crucial storylines and has often held criminals before they are transported to a more stable facility. It's come under attack so many times, yet the officers have managed to defend their base with valor. Unfortunately, in some portrayals corruption runs through the GCPD as well.
Arkham Asylum
Arkham Asylum may just be the most infamous prison in the world. It's a facility that's housed some of the most dangerous thugs and serial killers that Gotham has ever seen. It's notorious for the corruption within its hierarchy and has boasted plenty of breakouts.
The morals of Arkham are certainly questionable too, as it's a facility that has a history of experimentation. Gotham City wouldn't be complete without the Asylum, which so many have passed through the doors of. Even in terms of its architecture, it's a gothic display of the hardships of the city.
Ace Chemicals
Ace Chemicals is really the birthplace of The Joker and Harley Quinn in most tellings of their narrative. Plenty of plots has been schemed from behind these walls, with the dangerous batch of poisons contributing to many of Gotham's problems.
The portrayal of Ace has changed over the years, from a grungy factory where dark things happen to a whimsical over-the-top representation of the Clown Prince of Crime. Without Ace, some of Batman's rogues would never exist and the City would certainly face lesser threats.
The Botanical Gardens
Regardless of the portrayal of Poison Ivy from villain to anti-hero, there is a constant in her characterization. She is forever drawn back to the minor ecosystem of the Botanical Gardens, which has featured a wide range of exotic plants across Gotham's history.
It's a tourist destination that has acted as a perfect base for a woman that draws her power from flora. Batman has battled the antagonist in the Gardens despite it being her home turf and it's perhaps one of the prettiest areas within this dark and shadowy city.
The Iceberg Lounge
There are a few notable crime hotspots throughout Gotham, and the Iceberg Lounge is the most influential. The location has passed through different mob bosses over the years and briefly served as the base for the coldhearted Mr. Freeze. Ultimately though the lounge belongs to Penguin.
It's the jewel in his crown, with Pengiun hosting parties, club evenings, and plenty of important business meetings from this fine establishment. Although it might look fancy, the Iceberg Lounge has been built on dirty money, and Batman has attempted to bring it down again and again.
Crime Alley And The Monarch Theatre
There's a location in Batman's history that holds a lot of dark memories. Crime Alley and the Monarch Theatre is where his parents were shot down on that fateful night. As he continues to tackle his grief he often returns to the area, in honor of their memory.
However, the Theatre itself where he saw Zorro that very night, has played a part in some of his enemy's schemes. The Joker, in particular, has taken great joy in using the location as a way to bait Batman, and thus mess with Bruce Wayne's mind.
Blackgate Penitentiary
While Arkham Asylum was designed to house those villains whose minds were perhaps beyond repair, Blackgate Penitentiary was built to capture the common criminal. Some of Batman's notorious enemies have found a spot in Blackgate.
Crime bosses like Black Mask, Falcone, and Maroni can be found in this intense environment. It seems almost unbreachable, but has once again seen plenty of breakouts and corruption at its core. Even so, it doesn't prove to be nearly as volatile as Arkham is.
Amusement Mile
If the Joker hadn't found a use for Ace Chemicals then Amusement Mile might be his next port of call. It's an abandoned theme park that hits on the general vibe of the Harlequin of Hate and can be tricked out with all kinds of traps and horrifying displays of violence.
Really it should be torn down, considering Gotham has no further need for the area. Yet, there's always a promise of renovation within the city, and Amusement Mile has fell victim to that false narrative, becoming yet another creepy area that attracts crime.
Clocktower
The Clocktower is a vital location for the vigilante community. It's the base that Oracle operated out of for years, aiding both Batman and the Birds of Prey, before the team would use it as their full-time Headquarters with Batgirl in the field. It's a strategic building of great importance.
It can be easily defended, is in the heart of the city the group is trying to defend, and will not arouse suspicion considering no one goes in there. It also plays upon some of the visual cues of Gotham in a unique way, with the steampunk aesthetic working well with the grittiness of the team.