For those who crave a taste of fine dining but are working with a fast-food budget, there’s a special McDonald’s in Budapest that promises a side of elegance with your cheeseburger.
Housed in the historic Nyugati Railway Station, this newly refurbished branch, which has just reopened to the public, has been compared by customers to a five-star hotel, cementing its reputation as the ‘world’s most glamorous’ McDonald’s.
Originally opened in 1990, the McDonald’s occupies a part of the railway station which was built in 1877 by the Gustave Eiffel Company – the same company that later constructed the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The station itself has long been admired for its architectural grandeur, making it a fitting setting for what Lonely Planet calls McDonald’s ‘most elegant’ location.
Additionally, MIC magazine previously described the Budapest branch as ‘impressive’ due to its ‘elaborate, colonial ceiling.’
There’s a special McDonald’s in Budapest that promises a side of elegance with your cheeseburger
Originally opened in 1990, the McDonald’s occupies a part of the railway station, built in 1877 by the Gustave Eiffel Company
Following a recent renovation that closed the restaurant in January, it has reemerged with a stylish, modern look, all while maintaining the historical beauty of the building.
The upgrade includes state-of-the-art kitchen technology, touchscreen kiosks, and the ability to order via the McDonald’s mobile app, as reported by Metro.
A standout feature is the food conveyor belt, which lets customers watch their meals move between two levels of the kitchen inside a glass box.
While the branch now boasts modern design elements like mirrored glass surfaces and custom furniture, designers took care to preserve the site’s rich history.
Remaining are detailed stucco ceilings, antique lamps, and a wrought-iron gate, blending the old with the new.
The McCafé has also been relocated to the entrance level, while the outdoor terrace has been transformed into a stylish, lounge-like setting, perfect for soaking in the ambiance of Budapest while sipping on a coffee.
On Tripadvisor, the fast food joint boasts an average four-star rating, with one reviewer writing: ‘I have seen several nice McDonald’s restaurants in Europe, but the best I have seen is the McDonald’s Hyugati in Budapest.
‘The interior is nothing like the interiors we have in the United States. The best McDonald’s I have seen “inside and outside”!’
Following a recent renovation that closed the restaurant in January, the chain has reemerged with a stylish, modern look, all while maintaining the historical beauty of the building
The upgrade includes state-of-the-art kitchen technology, touchscreen kiosks, and the ability to order via the McDonald’s mobile app
While the branch now boasts modern design elements like mirrored glass surfaces and custom furniture, designers took care to preserve the site’s rich history
The McCafé has also been relocated to the entrance level, while the outdoor terrace has been transformed into a stylish, lounge-like setting, perfect for soaking in the ambiance of Budapest while sipping on a coffee
On Tripadvisor, the fast food joint boasts an average four-star rating and dozens of rave reviews
Another wrote: ‘This is definitely the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world. The food was fine and the place was superb!’
A third gushed: ‘Amazing building – go for that alone! Great ambience, much nicer than other McDonald’s, didn’t feel so soulless!’
Another customer described the location as ‘one of the most glamourous McDonald’s on the planet,’ while a second noted how it’s ‘a pretty unique experience to eat a cheap burger in such a lavish interior.’
Finally, one impressed diner likened the Budapest branch to an eatery in a five-star hotel, writing: ‘The interior is absolutely beautiful and looks more like a restaurant in a 5 star hotel. I took off one star because it is so busy and the queues are so long.’
As McDonald’s continues to tease upcoming features for the branch, this unique location stands out not only for its architectural beauty but also as a landmark destination, promising a fast food dining experience unlike any other.
