The world’s ‘poshest’ McDonald’s has reopened in Europe, inside a historic railway station, and that also hosts light displays and DJ sets every Friday and Saturday night
A McDonald’s in Europe has reopened in one of the prettiest locations and it turns into a club at the weekend.
The Nyugati Railway Station in Budapest, Hungary, is home to one of the most amazing McDonald’s in the world. Originally opened in 1990, the McDonald’s resides in a part of the railway station which was built in 1877, by the same company that later constructed the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The station itself is grand and respected in its own rights by visitors, while the McDonald’s has been noted for its ‘most elegant’ location by Lonely Planet.
The site reopened in September after an eight month refurbishment and since has garnered attention for its stylish yet modern look, as well as attracting throngs of visitors to its Friday and Saturday night show. Each week from 10pm to 4am on Friday and Saturday evenings, the restaurant transforms into an illuminated hall, with light projections and live DJs.
In a video that circulated on the social media platform Instagram, the full impact of the light show and buzz within McDonald’s is clear to see. One commenter commented on the video: “Wow! I wish I knew this when I went to Budapest!!” Another added, “Oh, wow, this is so cool! I would not be able to stop staring at that ceiling.”
Travellers can check the specific branch’s page on the McDonald’s website for upcoming events. The website states: “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 favourites — we will be waiting for you with light painting and a DJ in one of the most beautiful McDonald’s restaurants in the world. Come and join us either to tune in before the party or to close the evening, and let’s travel together to the depths of the sea, the rainforest or even among the stars!”
In addition, the website specifies which acts will be performing each night. The weekend light shows and DJ sets were only scheduled to run until the end of 2024, however they will now run throughout 2025 too. The next event will be hosted on January 24.
As well as the light displays and DJs, the McDonald’s site also has state-of-the-art kitchen technology, touchscreen kiosks, and the ability to order via the McDonald’s app. Another special element of the restaurant is a food conveyor belt, which lets customers watch their meals move between two levels of the kitchen inside a glass box.
The site also retains many of the original design elements of the railway station building, including detailed stucco ceilings, antique lamps, and a wrought-iron gate. The restaurant has also been relocated to the entrance level, while the outdoor terrace has been transformed into a more relaxed, lounge-like destination.
