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. The station was designed by Austrian architect August de Serres, who later went on to help built the Eiffel Tower.
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. 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.
A Beautiful Past and Present
The McDonald's at Nyugati Railway Station has been a popular spot in Budapest since it opened in 1990. It has been considered one of the most beautiful McDonald's restaurants in the world and has now been renovated to be even more stunning. The renovation took eight months and cost over $5 million USD, but it was well worth the investment.
Maintaining the Charm
The renovation focused on preserving the original features of the building, while also adding some modern touches. The antique lamps and painted stucco ceilings have been refreshed, and the vintage design of the building, including the huge glass windows and copper-covered light fixtures, has been maintained.
Modern Upgrades
The renovation also included some modern upgrades, such as touch screen kiosks and a new outdoor terrace for the McCafé. A second gallery level was added, which increased the total seating capacity to over 280. The restaurant also has a unique feature: a food conveyor belt that moves between the two levels of the kitchen.
Not Your Typical McDonald's
The McDonald's at Nyugati Railway Station is more than just a place to grab a quick bite to eat. It is a destination in itself, with its stunning architecture and unique features. It is a reminder that even a fast-food chain can be beautiful and luxurious.
The McDonald's has been named the world's most beautiful by many and has been compared to a five-star hotel. It's a popular tourist destination and is a must-visit for anyone visiting Budapest.
The restaurant is a testament to the fact that even a fast-food chain can be beautiful and luxurious. It is a destination in itself, with its stunning architecture and unique features. The McDonald's is a reminder that even a fast-food chain can be beautiful and luxurious. It is a destination in itself, with its stunning architecture and unique features.
