Stunning McDonalds around the world you can visit including a 1930s cafe and a refurbished train station
MCDONALD’S is famous for being one of the most popular fast food chains in the world.
While it may not be associated with being architecturally beautiful, some of the stores are surprisingly stunning.
Many of the restaurants around the world have re-purposed old buildings to keep the original designs.
The first restaurant opened in Los Angeles in 1953 – although the newer designs have certainly come a long way.
With over 36,000 restaurants in the world, the buildings are now varied in design depending on the country.
From an old bank in Norway to a modern glass dome in Georgia, we’ve rounded up some of the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world.
Bray, Ireland
Built in 1881, the McDonald’s in Ireland is found in Bray Town Hall.
The fast food chain took over the ground floor in 1997.
Town meetings are still held in the first floor of the building.
Porto, Portugal
A McDonald’s which is regularly voted one of the most beautiful in the world is found in Porto.
Previously a 1930s cafe called Cafe Imperial, the building has retained the unique Art Deco stained glass windows.
There are even still crystal chandeliers and ornate friezes.
Budapest, Hungary
Another fancy McDonald’s is in Budapest in an old train station.
The building was created in 1877 by the same people who designed the Eiffel Tower.
McDonald’s opened inside the train station in 1988 as the first in Hungary.
Madrid, Spain
Inside the McDonald’s in Madrid are the original features of the historical building such as marble columns and a winding grand staircase.
The food is fancier than some of the usual options.
Alongside the standard Big Mac, they also serve macarons and scones.
Batumi, Georgia
Georgia’s McDonald’s is one of the most modern designs.
It was built in 2013 by architect Giorgi Khmaladze, who used 460 glass panels to reflect the water around it.
Behind it is also a fuel station built into the back of the building.
Hangzhou, China
Built inside an 84-year-old home is the McDonald’s in Hangzhou city.
The McDonald’s was controversial as it was the home of former Taiwanese leader Chiang Ching-kuo, which locals slammed for being disrespectful.
This hasn’t stopped tourists visiting the area.
Kristiansand, Norway
One of Norway’s McDonald’s is found in a marble-column bank.
The original door is no longer in use, although guests can visit from the side entrance.
The country was one of the first to introduce vegan nuggets to their menu.
Sydney, Australia
The McDonald’s in Sydney doesn’t seem like much at first, but the interior is definitely the main attraction.
Found in the Plaza Theatre, it was once a 2000-seat cinema in the 1930s before closing in 1977.
Inside the McDonald’s foyer are some of the original pieces such as the floral motifs on the ceiling, gold balustrades and large chandeliers.
Paris, France
Wedged between two other cafes is the McDonald’s in Paris.
It was originally a restaurant called Au Roi de la Biere – The King of Beer – in 1892
Now, the skinny building has kept the decoration on the front such as a king holding a pint of beer as well as a stork on the roof and the Strasbourg coat of arms.
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