The most beautiful McDonald’s in the world reopens inside the old train station

A McDonald’s inside an old train station has officially reopened after refurbishment – 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 most beautiful McDonald’s in the world.

The McDonald’s at this location first opened in 1990 and was even 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, it has finally reopened, restoring old features and making new ones.

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

According to the local newspaper Magyar Építők, the restaurant has carefully preserved and preserved its original values, both during and after the renovation.

But renovations also brought McD’s into modern times. Touch screen kiosks have been added and there is a new outdoor terrace for McCafé, which has been moved to the entry 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 a gluten-free bun.

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,” said Égi. “We renovated it in half a year in order to 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 from real, natural building materials.”

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

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

“It feels like you’re traveling back in time,” said another.

“This is the nicest McDonald’s I’ve ever been to, I’ve been here many times over the years and it still impresses me,” someone said.