In Civilization VII (Civ 7), gold is a versatile resource that can be used in various ways to advance your empire. Here's a comprehensive guide on where to spend gold based on available strategies and game mechanics:
1. Purchasing Units:
Where to Spend Gold in Civilization VII
•Military Units: Buying units with gold allows you to bypass production times, which is especially useful during emergencies or when preparing for war. This can help you quickly defend against invaders or launch an offensive.
•Civilian Units: Like builders or settlers, can be bought when you need immediate expansion or infrastructure improvements without waiting for production.
2. Buying Buildings:
Where to Spend Gold in Civilization VII
•City Center and District Structures: Investing gold in buildings can significantly boost your city's output in terms of food, production, science, culture, or gold itself. Buildings like granaries, markets, or universities can speed up city growth and development.
•Repairing Damaged Buildings: After natural disasters or enemy attacks, you might need to repair buildings, which can be done with gold.
3. Upgrading Units:
Where to Spend Gold in Civilization VII
When new technologies are researched, you can use gold to upgrade existing units to more advanced versions, enhancing your military strength without production delays.
4. Acquiring Tiles:
Where to Spend Gold in Civilization VII
Buying tiles expands your city's territory, allowing more resources to be worked or access to strategic locations. This is particularly useful when you want to claim valuable resources or border areas quickly.
5. Great People:
Where to Spend Gold in Civilization VII
Gold can be spent to attract Great People, providing unique bonuses or abilities that can give significant advantages in various aspects like science, culture, or military.
6. Policy Changes:
Where to Spend Gold in Civilization VII
Some policy cards or changes might require gold to implement, offering immediate strategic benefits like increased production or combat bonuses.
7. Diplomacy:
Where to Spend Gold in Civilization VII
•Trading: Gold can be part of diplomatic deals, either as a flat fee or gold per turn, helping to secure resources, technology, or alliances.
•City-State Influence: You can spend gold to gain influence with city-states, potentially turning them into allies or even controlling their military for a period.
8. Settlements Upgrades:
Where to Spend Gold in Civilization VII
Converting towns into cities requires gold. This is crucial as cities have more capabilities than towns, including the ability to build districts and wonders.
9. Emergency Purchases:
Where to Spend Gold in Civilization VII
In dire situations, like a surprise attack or resource shortages, having gold allows you to buy whatever you need instantly, whether it's units for defense, builders for quick resource exploitation, or buildings for immediate benefits.
10. Narrative Events:
Where to Spend Gold in Civilization VII
During narrative events introduced in Civ 7, choosing options that cost gold might provide significant bonuses or avoid negative outcomes.
Strategy Tips: 
Where to Spend Gold in Civilization VII
•Early Game: Spend on settlers for quick expansion, units for defense, or key buildings like libraries for a science boost.
•Mid to Late Game: Focus on upgrading units, buying strategic tiles, or investing in high-impact buildings like wonders.
•Gold Management: Keep a reserve for unexpected expenses but don't hoard gold if there are clear opportunities for investment in your empire's growth or defense.
Remember, the effectiveness of spending gold depends on your overall strategy, the current game state, and your civilization's unique abilities or bonuses. Always consider the long-term benefits versus the immediate cost when deciding where to spend your gold.
