McDonald’s is undoubtedly the world’s leading multinational fast-food chain. With outlets worldwide, including in South Korea, it is so widespread that its Big Mac price is often used as a benchmark for comparing global living costs. While each McDonald’s branch incorporates local characteristics, some unique locations have become regional landmarks. Let’s explore some of the world’s most distinctive McDonald’s restaurants.
Nyugati Train Station, Budapest, Hungary
Nyugati Train Station in Budapest, Hungary, is famous for being designed by the same office responsible for the Eiffel Tower. Here, you can find what is often called the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world. Located within the station, the restaurant spans the ground floor and basement as McDonald’s, while the first floor operates as a McCafé. Outdoor seating is also available, and the branch offers exclusive desserts unique to Budapest.
Roswell, New Mexico, USA
The McDonald’s in Roswell, New Mexico, stands out for its UFO-shaped building. The corners of the flat, saucer-like structure are illuminated with colorful lights, reflecting Roswell’s connection to the “Roswell Incident.” This 1947 event allegedly involved a UFO crash and secretive U.S. government recovery of alien remains, making this McDonald’s a fitting homage to local lore.
Batumi, Georgia
Batumi, Georgia, is located along the Black Sea and is often called the Las Vegas of the Black Sea. It is home to a McDonald’s that looks like a convention center. Surrounded by a reflective artificial lake, the polyhedral glass-covered structure is a striking architectural feat. The architecture website ArchDaily recognized it as the best commercial building.
Taupo, New Zealand
New Zealand is famous for its Taupo Lake, a massive volcanic caldera larger than Seoul. The lake is home to a McDonald’s built into an old airplane. This unique location has retained the airplane’s original features, including doors, windows, and seating. It has become a must-visit spot for tourists exploring the Taupo region.
Sanbang Qixiang, Huzhou, China
Huzhou, located in Zhejiang Province, China, is a canal city with historic bridges. It is also home to a McDonald’s, set in a region rich in Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. This branch offers a traditional atmosphere alongside exclusive menu items like Sichuan Spicy Sauce Burgers and Pineapple Pies, unique to China.
Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp, Cuba
Cuba, a Caribbean island nation that upholds a socialist ideology, is also known for its prowess in sports, particularly during the Olympics. Interestingly, there is a McDonald’s in Cuba, located at the infamous Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp, notorious for housing dangerous terrorist suspects. Surrounded by barbed wire, this McDonald’s is not accessible to detainees and can only be used by the staff working at the detention camp.
Bray, Ireland
In Bray, Ireland, you can find a McDonald’s famous for its beautiful architecture. Ireland occupies most of the island west of Great Britain, and Bray is a city about a 40-minute drive from Dublin, the capital. This McDonald’s is housed in a 19th-century Tudor-style building. It was used as a market building until the 1940s and now serves as part of the Bray Civic Offices, with the McDonald’s on the ground floor.
Clifton Hill, Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia, is home to a McDonald’s that looks like a 1930s hotel. With a larger population than Sydney, Melbourne has been voted the world’s most livable city for seven consecutive years due to its beauty and pleasant environment. The McDonald’s in Clifton Hill is decorated retro, with colorful neon lights adorning the ceiling, making it a popular spot for its unique and nostalgic decor.
Yonggang Drive-Thru, Gyeongju, South Korea
In Gyeongju, South Korea, McDonald’s operates the country’s first hanok-style (traditional Korean house) drive-thru, the Yonggang DT branch. The building, designed in the traditional Korean tiled-roof style, reflects Gyeongju’s historical and cultural heritage. It spans a total area of approximately 2,500 square meters and includes 113 seats. Located along National Route 7, which connects Gyeongju and Pohang, this drive-thru allows customers to order, pay, and pick up their food without leaving their cars.
Negev Desert, Israel
In Israel’s Negev Desert, there is a McDonald’s that resembles an oasis. Situated at the entrance of Avdat National Park, this McDonald’s is the only eatery in the vast desert region. Visitors without their own food must stop here, making it a literal oasis for travelers. All menu items here are prepared strictly following kosher guidelines, aligning with Jewish dietary laws.
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