I Just Watched Iron Man 2…Now I Want to Go to Monaco

A Monte Carlo Girls’ Trip, Stark-Approved

There are travel destinations that whisper luxury—and then there’s Monaco, which revs its engine and dares you to keep up.

In Iron Man 2, Tony Stark’s arrival in Monte Carlo during the Grand Prix de Monaco delivers one of the franchise’s most iconic real-world settings. The city’s narrow streets double as a racetrack, luxury yachts crowd the harbor like it’s no big deal, and the energy is pure spectacle. It’s billionaire chaos in its most elegant form—and frankly, the perfect inspiration for a girls’ trip built on glamour, confidence, and a little cinematic delusion.

I watched Iron Man 2. Now I want to go to Monaco.

Why Monaco Works (On Screen and In Real Life)

Monaco is a character all on it's own. Everything here feels heightened: the cars, the clothes, the cocktails, the way everyone seems to be going somewhere important. It’s the kind of place where people casually eat lunch next to a seven-figure vehicle and no one blinks. That makes it ideal for travelers who want to feel immersed in luxury without needing to own it. This isn’t about pretending to be rich. It’s about traveling intentionally, choosing the right moments to splurge, and letting the setting do the heavy lifting. Monaco makes everyone look expensive.

Where to Stay in Monte Carlo

If you want to lean fully into the Iron Man 2 fantasy, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is non-negotiable. The hotel appears in the film and sits directly across from the Casino de Monte-Carlo, anchoring the city’s most iconic square. Staying here feels like stepping into a different era, one defined by impeccable service, grand architecture, and the quiet confidence of people who never ask the price. Even a short stay delivers maximum cinematic impact.

For travelers who want that same old-world elegance with a slightly calmer atmosphere, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo is an excellent alternative. It’s refined, beautiful, and often a bit more forgiving price-wise while still feeling unmistakably Monaco.

If your group prefers a modern, resort-style experience, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort offers spacious rooms, pools, and a relaxed luxury vibe that works especially well for girls’ trips. It’s polished without being precious and ideal for travelers who want balance.

And for those who want to be strategic, staying just outside Monaco in nearby Beausoleil allows you to keep hotel costs in check while spending your days, and nights, fully immersed in Monte Carlo. This is one of the smartest ways to make Monaco work without sacrificing the fantasy.

A Monaco Girls’ Trip Itinerary Inspired by Iron Man 2

Arrival into Nice (NCE) sets the tone immediately. From there, the short train or car ride into Monaco feels like an intentional transition into a different world. After checking in and refreshing, the afternoon is best spent easing into the city with a walk around Port Hercule, where the yachts are as much a part of the scenery as the sea itself. From there, walking the Grand Prix circuit is a must—these are the very streets where the film’s action unfolds, and seeing them in real life makes the movie hit differently.

As evening approaches, cocktails at Le Bar Américain or Blue Gin provide the perfect vantage point for people-watching, followed by dinner at Café de Paris, where lingering over a meal feels like the most natural thing in the world.

The next day is all about embracing the Grand Prix fantasy. Breakfast near the Casino de Monte-Carlo sets a glamorous tone before stepping inside the casino itself—whether you gamble or not, entering is part of the experience. From there, the day revolves around the race atmosphere, whether that means securing grandstand seating, choosing a trackside restaurant, or simply positioning yourselves in the right places to soak in the spectacle.

Lunch at La Rascasse, a Grand Prix institution, places you directly on the circuit, while Stars’N’Bars offers a more relaxed alternative with equally strong Monaco credentials. The afternoon calls for a reset at Larvotto Beach, where private beach clubs make it easy to settle in and stay awhile.

Dinner at Nobu Monte-Carlo keeps the evening polished, with the option to end the night at Jimmy’z for those who want to lean fully into Monaco after dark.

A third day opens the door to the wider Côte d’Azur, because Monaco pairs beautifully with nearby villages. Èze delivers medieval drama and panoramic views, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers colorful calm, and Cap d’Ail provides scenic coastal walks that feel effortlessly chic. A long lunch, good wine, and zero urgency define the day before returning to Monaco for final shopping in the Carré d’Or and a farewell dinner at Le Grill or Yoshi, where sunset views and refined cuisine provide a perfect send-off.

WWTSD: What Would Tony Stark Do

Tony Stark would arrive loudly, start a fight at the Grand Prix, and treat international diplomacy as a suggestion. He’d wear sunglasses indoors, make questionable choices, and leave chaos behind him.

You, on the other hand, should book thoughtfully, plan around key experiences, and let Monaco work its magic without overdoing it. Late April to June is peak season, especially if you want to experience the F1 Grand Prix in May. But if you want to get all the Monaco elegance without fighting for reservations or paying peak-season rates, visit in September to Early October.

Ready to Plan Your Own Monaco Moment?

Monaco can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right hotel, smart timing, and a clear sense of what matters most, it becomes one of the most memorable girls’ trips you’ll ever take. I can help price out hotels—including filming locations, along with experiences and transfers, so you can book on your timeline and travel like this was always the plan.

Because Monaco isn’t about being flashy. It’s about being unbothered.