Whiterun is a major city located in the center of Skyrim, to the northwest of the Throat of the World, the highest mountain on the entire continent of Tamriel.

The capital of Whiterun Hold, Whiterun's central location makes it the province's major commercial hub.

Its central location also makes it a crucial strategic point in the Civil War between the Imperial Legion loyalists and Stormcloak rebels: Control of Whiterun Hold grants access to all the surrounding areas. Initially, Whiterun is nominally aligned with The Empire, but the Jarl, Balgruuf the Greater, seems to care more about the people of Whiterun than either side of the conflict, and so the hold is effectively neutral.

Whiterun comprises three districts arranged in tiers and connected by stairways. The Plains District is the lowest, and host to all the shops, the city's marketplace, inns, and a few homes as well at the city gates. The Wind District is the main residential area; its more important buildings include the Temple of Kynareth and Jorrvaskr, headquarters of the Companions. The Cloud District is the location of Dragonsreach and is the highest point in Whiterun.

Local businesses and services in Whiterun include Belethor's general store, The Bannered Mare inn, hunting supplies and food store The Drunken Huntsman, a blacksmith and arms vendor Warmaiden's and potion and ingredient merchant Arcadia. The Jarl's Palace, Dragonsreach, is the center of political matters and law enforcement, including Dragonsreach Dungeon. The court wizard Farengar Secret-Fire can also be found in Dragonsreach and offers spells and enchantment supplies and training for a price.

The Companions are based in Whiterun and the city was actually built around their hall, Jorrvaskr. The Skyforge is used by the Companions and has existed at the site longer than Jorrvaskr itself.