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Stunning McDonald’s around the world you can visit include 1930s cafe and refurbished train station

When it comes to a Big Mac, you may want to put these destinations on your bucket list — because they’re the best McDonald’s in the world.

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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 repurposed old buildings to keep the original designs.

We've rounded up some of the most beautiful McDonald's in the world. Picture: Alamy
We've rounded up some of the most beautiful McDonald's in the world. Picture: Alamy

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.

The Irish McDonald's is in the old Town Hall. Picture: Alamy
The Irish McDonald's is in the old Town Hall. Picture: Alamy

PORTO, PORTUGAL

A McDonald’s that 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.

McDonald's in Porto is in the Art Deco Cafe Imperial building. Picture: Alamy
McDonald's in Porto is in the Art Deco Cafe Imperial building. Picture: Alamy

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.

Head to Budapest to see a McDonald's in a train station. Picture: Alamy
Head to Budapest to see a McDonald's in a train station. Picture: Alamy

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.

The McDonald's in Madrid features marble walls and chandeliers. Picture: Alamy
The McDonald's in Madrid features marble walls and chandeliers. Picture: Alamy

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.

Georgia's McDonald's is one of the strangest in the world. Picture: Alamy
Georgia's McDonald's is one of the strangest in the world. Picture: Alamy

HANGZHOU, CHINA

Built inside an 84-year-old home is the McDonald’s in Hangzhou city.

This McDonald’s was controversial as it was the home of former Taiwanese leader Chiang Ching-kuo, and the fast-food giant was slammed for being disrespectful.

This hasn’t stopped tourists visiting the area.

The McDonald's in Hangzhou was met with controversy. Picture: Alamy
The McDonald's in Hangzhou was met with controversy. Picture: Alamy

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 the menu.

A McDonald's in Norway is found in an old bank. Picture: Alamy
A McDonald's in Norway is found in an old bank. Picture: Alamy

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.

Sydney plaza is now the home of McDonald's.
Sydney plaza is now the home of McDonald's.

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.

The skinny building has kept the decoration on the front — a king holding a pint of beer as well as a stork on the roof and the Strasbourg coat of arms.

Paris is home to a rather thin McDonald's. Picture: Google
Paris is home to a rather thin McDonald's. Picture: Google

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-ideas/best-of-travel/1930s-cafe-and-refurbished-train-station-among-stunning-mcdonalds-around-the-world-you-can-visit/news-story/5ec509bb65663033e5f2e3ce29fa1b0e