The European McDonalds that turns into a nightclub with live DJ sets and light shows
WE’RE all guilty of tumbling out of a nightclub in search of a greasy kebab or a bag of chips but luckily there’s a European train station where you can do both.
Nyugati Railway Station in Budapest is home to one of the world’s most beautiful McDonald’s.
The Maccies reopened back in September following an eight-month-long revamp.
But now its vintage design of large glass windows and copper-covered light fixtures is accompanied by a series of late-night live DJ sets.
Every Friday and Saturday, between 10pm and 4am, the Hungarian McDonald’s is transformed into a nightclub.
During the weekend DJ sets, a series of light paintings are projected onto the grand ceilings.
The light projections range from fish swimming in the depths of the ocean to journeys from space.
It means diners bop to music, Big Mac in hand, as they gaze at the ceiling.
Originally only scheduled to run until the end of 2024, the Nyugati Lounge is set to run throughout 2025 too.
The next DJ set will be held on Saturday, January 10.
A description on its website reads: “We invite everyone to a special journey to the renovated Nyugati restaurant, where our Nyugati Lounge music program has started.
“From now on, every Friday and Saturday evening, between 10 pm and 4 am – in addition to your Mekis favorites – we will be waiting for you with light painting and a DJ in one of the most beautiful McDonald’s restaurants in the world”.
The McDonald’s at Nyugati Railway Station first opened in 1990.
Its redesign brought in a series of other mod cons, including touch screen kiosks that are now commonplace in most McDonald’s in the UK.
Diners can even watch a food conveyor belt between the two levels of the kitchen, a feature that’s slated to be unique.
The McCafe also has a new outdoor terrace, which has been moved to the entrance level.
Unique food options include the Goosey Gustav burger, which has foie gras on top.
Zsolt Égi, managing director of Progress Étteremhárosl Kft, which operates McDonald’s restaurants in Hungary, said that it was one of their “most impressive restaurants”.
They added: “Nyugati tér McDonald’s opened 34 years ago, in 1990, and is considered one of the most beautiful McDonald’s restaurants in the world.
“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.”
Nyugati Railway Station was designed by Austrian architect August de Serres, who later went on to help built the Eiffel Tower.
Three other beautiful McDonald's to visit in Europe
HERE are three other beautiful McDonald's Brits can visit in Europe.
Porto, Portugal
For a McDonald’s with a palatial vibe, head to the cute city in the north of Portugal.
It is housed in a former historic coffee shop, with grand architecture – including ornate ceilings, glitzy chandeliers and marble floors.
It looks just as incredible from the outside, with stained glass windows and an eagle sculpture over the entrance.
Since it was opened by the fast food chain in 1995, it has become as much a point of interest in the city as the Livraria Lello bookshop and port wine.
Madrid, Spain
The McDonald’s on the city’s Gran Via is located in a grand cream-coloured corner building.
It was the fast food empire’s first ever Spanish outpost, with its doors being opened in 1981.
The Madrid location was formerly a jewellery shop, which perhaps explains its stunning interiors.
Some of its original features include a winding staircase, as well as marble pillars and statement chandeliers.
Kristiansand, Norway
It would be easy to think you’re stepping into a rather important institution when heading to McDonald’s in Kristiansand.
Indeed, the chain’s restaurant in the Norwegian city was formerly the home of a bank.
The restaurant’s iconic letters are now positioned above the original grand columns.
However, the majestic entrance is no longer in use, with guests needing to go in via a side door.
And here are some of the most beautiful McDonald’s you can visit in the world from former banks to UNESCO sites.
And a Hamburg McDonald’s has a “drive-thru for boats” and has been named the coolest in the world.