World’s most beautiful McDonald’s that’s like a ‘5-star hotel restaurant’ reopens

A McDonald’s inside an old train station has officially reopened after renovation — and people are comparing it to a “5-star hotel.”

Nyugati Railway Station in Budapest, Hungary, is home to what is said to be the world’s most beautiful McDonald’s.

The McDonald’s at this location first opened in 1990 and was even then said to be one of the most beautiful in the world — the train station has been a stunning building since it opened in 1877, after all.

But the Golden Arches closed in January 2024 for renovations and, after eight months of work, has finally reopened, restoring old features and making new ones.

The antique lamps and painted stucco ceilings have been refreshed, keeping the vintage designs in place, including the huge glass windows that go around the entire building, as well as copper-covered light fixtures.

According to local outlet Magyar Építők, the restaurant has preserved and carefully maintained its original values, even during and after the renovation.

But the renovations brought the McD’s into modern times as well. Touch screen kiosks have been added and there’s a new outdoor terrace for the McCafé, which has been moved to the entrance level.

A second gallery level was added, increasing the total seating capacity to over 280 — including the terrace.

Diners also have the “unique” opportunity to watch the food conveyor belt move between the two levels of the kitchen.

There are even special food options, including the Goosey Gustav burger, which has foie gras on top, and gluten-free buns.

This location is one of the “most impressive restaurants,” Zsolt Égi, managing director of Progress Étteremhárosl Kft., which operates McDonald’s restaurants in Hungary, said in a statement.

“Nyugati tér McDonald’s opened 34 years ago, in 1990, and is considered one of the most beautiful McDonald’s restaurants in the world,” Égi said. “We renovated it in half a year, so that we could stay true to this heritage.”

“During the transformation, we used many solutions that are considered unique in the McDonald’s system worldwide, as well as elements made of real, natural building materials.”

Local outlets reported that the contractors said the renovation cost 1.8 billion HUF, which is slightly over $5 million USD, and has left visitors stunned.

“The interior is absolutely beautiful and looks more like a restaurant in a 5-star hotel,” one person said.

“It has a feeling as you travel back in time,” another shared.

“This is the most beautiful McDonald’s I’ve been to, been here lots of times over the years and it still impresses me,” someone said.