Ranked: the unusual McDonald's restaurants you need to add to your bucket list

Not your average McDonald's

It’s no wonder the Golden Arches are so universally recognized when there are around 34,000 McDonald's outlets in 118 countries worldwide. While most of these fast food restaurants look pretty similar both inside and out, there are some unique and unusual McDonald's outposts that really punch above their weight in terms of amazing locations, incredible architecture and Instagram-worthy décor. To prove it, we've rounded up the most extraordinary McDonald’s restaurants on the planet.

Click or scroll through our gallery to see some of the world's most unusual McDonald's restaurants – counting down to the most remarkable of all.

31. Rome, Italy

When plans were drawn up in 2016 to open a McDonald's franchise opposite St Peter's Basilica – the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in Vatican City, Rome – they were met with harsh criticism from many. Some even dubbed the venture the 'McVatican.' However, the branch opened a year later, and McDonald's responded by saying that the restaurant had been "fully adapted with respect to the historical environment." The chain partnered with a local charity to distribute meals to homeless people in the area, too. 

30. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

There are over 70 McDonald's restaurants in Las Vegas, six of which can be found on the famous Las Vegas Strip. This particular branch, located at 3475 South Las Vegas Boulevard, is notable for its giant Golden Arch, which looms over other nearby fast food joints – helping the restaurant stand out on one of the world's most colorful and bustling streets.

29. Rotterdam, Netherlands

Previously known as the ugliest building in Rotterdam, this McDonald’s restaurant is now one of the most stylish fast food locations in the world following a sleek makeover. Once in line for demolition, the space has been renovated in a minimalist style, complete with a glass-paneled front, a statement white spiral staircase and a perforated golden façade.

28. São Paulo, Brazil

The 1,000th McDonald's to open in Brazil, this unique restaurant goes by the name Méqui 1000 (Méqui being Brazilian Portuguese slang for McDonald's). The branch boasts a giant Big Mac chandelier and a Golden Arches swing set, and Happy Meals and fries adorn its façade. To celebrate the milestone opening in 2019, there was even a McDonald's-themed trailer available to rent on Airbnb right next to the restaurant.

27. Sedona, Arizona, USA

Not all McDonald's restaurants feature those ubiquitous red and yellow colors. Due to Sedona's strict zoning ordinances, this restaurant had to blend in with its surrounding landscape. As such, it has a color scheme that fits in with the rest of the city. The building also reflects the local architecture, while the signature Golden Arches have adopted a beautiful shade of turquoise to avoid clashing with the surrounding red rocks. 

26. New York City, New York, USA

NYC has been home to a few interesting McDonald’s restaurants over the years – and one of the most eye-catching is this decidedly skinny spot in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Located on Canal Street, it stands out not only because of its shape, but also because of its black exterior, which contrasts with the neighboring buildings. The restaurant occupies the first two floors.

25. Bordeaux, France

This Bordeaux outlet is one of seven 1960s-themed McDonald's restaurants to have opened in France. Outside, a blue lifeguard shack pays homage to the first-ever McDonald’s restaurant, which was located in coastal San Bernadino, California. Inside, diners are welcomed with mismatched chairs, black and white ceramic floor tiles and turquoise benches.

24. Bergen, Norway

In the charming city of Bergen, you can dine on Big Macs and Happy Meals in one of the oldest and most exquisite traditional Norwegian timber buildings in the district. With white wood paneling and no yellow arches mounted onto the exterior, it’s a very different look for the famous fast food chain. You can also get your hands on Scandinavian exclusives here, including a Chicken Salsa or Veggie Salsa burger with tomato salsa, sour cream and chive dressing, and nacho chips.

23. Downey, California, USA

The oldest still-operating McDonald's restaurant is also a very nice one to look at, with a retro Americana vibe. Opened in 1953 in Downey, California, this branch was the third McDonald's restaurant at the time – and it was deemed eligible for the US National Register of Historic Places in 1984. It's now one of the main attractions in southeast Los Angeles.

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22. Freeport, Maine, USA

One of the fanciest McDonald's locations you'll ever find, this outlet in Freeport is housed in a 150-year-old colonial mansion. A McDonald's restaurant since 1984, it features wooden furniture, beautiful fireplaces and mahogany booths. The menu here is equally as distinguished, with lobster rolls occasionally available in summer. It's also one of the few McDonald's locations without a single Golden Arch in sight.

21, Barstow, California, USA

In keeping with the area’s locomotive heritage, this colorful McDonald's restaurant is housed inside several train carriages at Barstow Station on Route 66. The old cars have been repurposed into dining carts, giving visitors a taste of train travel in mid-20th-century California – with added fries, of course.

20. Tbilisi, Georgia

The first McDonald’s in Georgia opened in 1999, taking up residence in a historic building in Old Tbilisi. At first glance, this might look like an observatory or a planetarium; however, the easily recognizable McDonald's logo is unmissable. The building blends in with the traditional Georgian architecture around it, and it offers great views of the city from the top floor.

19. Independence, Ohio, USA

The McDonald’s in Independence, Ohio is a real McMansion. Like many other fancy McDonald’s locations, this restaurant came about due to local building codes requiring it to stay in keeping with the area. The colonial-style outlet is pretty sophisticated both inside and outside, with floor-to-ceiling windows, chandeliers and classy wooden furniture. There’s even a self-playing piano that entertains customers as they eat.

18. Hangzhou, China

Located in Hangzhou, in the former home of the late Taiwanese leader Chiang Ching-kuo, this McDonald's branch caused some controversy when it opened. Activists had called for the cultural heritage site to be converted into a museum; however, it was leased to McDonald's because maintenance costs needed to be covered. As a mark of respect, the restaurant's interiors are decorated with posters that tell the story of Chiang Ching-kuo's life.

17. Bray, Ireland

This Tudor-style establishment in County Wicklow, Ireland is one of a kind. The building dates back to the 19th century, and it housed a market and various civic groups until the 1940s. The ground floor has been home to McDonald’s since 1997, with the upper floors previously serving as the Bray Urban District Council chambers.

16. New Hyde Park, New York, USA

Built in 1795 as a farmhouse, then converted into a 19th-century Georgian mansion, this historic establishment in Long Island is now a McDonald’s. The fast food chain had originally planned to knock the building down and build a standard restaurant in its place; however, after uproar from locals, the burger joint decided to renovate it into the classiest McDonald's in the state.

15. Penang, Malaysia

The Birch House in George Town, Penang used to be an office for a tin smelting plant in 1908. The mansion was eventually abandoned until a property group bought it in the early 2000s. The building was set to be demolished to make way for a modern office building; however, thanks to local activists, it's still standing, and it now houses a 24-hour McDonald's.

14. Zermatt, Switzerland

In the Swiss mountain resort of Zermatt, you can refuel after a chilly session on the slopes with a warming McDonald’s, nestled inside a traditional building. Diners are surrounded by wood in this cozy, chalet-style restaurant, and they have the chance to explore some exclusive Swiss menu items, too. Anyone for a Chicken Paprika – crispy chicken, paprika sauce and melty cheese on a soft bun?

13. Roswell, New Mexico, USA

This McDonald’s location in New Mexico looks out of this world – literally. Shaped like a spaceship, it cashes in on what made Roswell famous in 1947, when a UFO allegedly crash-landed in fields near the town. Inside, a space-themed play space is home to McDonald’s mascots dressed up in spacesuits.

12. Yangshuo, China

McDonald's Yangshuo outpost comes with a side of resplendent natural beauty – plus a few special menu items. Here, diners can order Sichuan double chicken burgers, spicy McWings and German sausage double beef burgers, all of which are only sold in China, while taking in spectacular lake and mountain views.

11. Aswan, Egypt

Located on the banks of the Nile in the Egyptian city of Aswan, this McDonald's restaurant has front-row seats for one of the most storied rivers in the world. There's plenty of outdoor space, so you can enjoy a burger and fries while soaking up the sun and watching traditional felucca boats sail by.

10. Melbourne, Australia

Constructed in the 1930s, the building that houses this Macca's (as Australians call it) was once a hotel – and it's a much-loved landmark in Melbourne's Clifton Hills, all thanks to its quirky exterior. The Jazz Moderne–style building has a retro dining room, plus eye-catching neon lights that glow at night, adding to its charm.

9. Batumi, Georgia

Wanting to create a calm haven from the busy world outside, Georgian architect Giorgi Khmaladze designed this futuristic-looking McDonald's to clash with the surrounding architecture. Encircled by a pond that reflects the geometric building, the restaurant features dining areas that overlook the water, and the patio area is covered in diverse vegetation.

8. Orlando, Florida, USA

Leave it to Orlando, the home of several major theme parks, to offer a sprawling McDonald’s restaurant designed for entertainment and amusement. This huge venue is the biggest McDonald’s in the world – and it adds extra fun to any Happy Meal (or adult meal) with arcade games and a large playhouse. Its menu is unique too, including options such as customizable pizza, pasta and omelets.

7. Paris, France

Among the historic buildings, fine dining restaurants and designer shops of Rue Saint-Lazare, you'll find this McDonald’s branch. Full of charm and character, it’s strategically placed to draw in tourists who usually flock to the area for its history and shopping. French McDonald's franchises also offer a more luxe experience inside – ingredients are locally sourced, coffee is served in mugs and burger buns can be swapped out for ciabatta.

6. Lijiang, China

Walking through the old town of Lijiang, China, you might not spot this McDonald’s; it blends in almost seamlessly with the other buildings in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can take in traditional Nakhi architecture, mountain surroundings and quaint stone bridges over rivers before refueling with a Big Mac. 

5. Sydney Airport, Australia

Opened in 2018, this Sydney airport hotspot is one of the most remarkable McDonald's locations in the world. Dubbed the McDonald's Sky Kitchen, its star attraction is its see-through kitchen, which appears to float over the passenger lounge in a yellow glass box. Waiting for your meal is a real spectacle, as burgers and fries are delivered to the ground level via a conveyor belt, one by one.

4. Lindvallen, Sweden

Why drive through a McDonald’s when you could ski through it? That’s exactly what you can do at the world’s only ski-thru McDonald’s at SkiStar Lindvallen. The resort has been home to the unique venue since the 1990s, but it recently became more popular than ever thanks to social media. If you don’t want to whiz past the window on your skis, there’s plenty of space to leave them outside while you warm up indoors.

3. Budapest, Hungary

One of the world's fanciest McDonald's locations, this franchise in Budapest's Nyugati Railway Station railway station is more reminiscent of a fine dining restaurant than a fast food chain. While the menu is McDonald's through and through, the food most definitely tastes better when eaten in soft leather booths, in a 1920s Art Deco–style dining room. After a program of renovations, the venue reopened in September 2024, launching Friday and Saturday night raves that ran until the end of the year. Attendees could enjoy live DJs and light displays until late.

2. Porto, Portugal

What was once known as Porto's Imperial Café is now home to a McDonald’s franchise. The 1930s building was in great need of restoration when the fast food chain bought it. Happily, the impressive eagle statue outside the entrance was retained when McDonald's took over – and inside, it’s full of mirrors, chandeliers and Art Deco stained glass.

1. Taupo, New Zealand

Ever wanted to eat McDonald’s on a plane? It might not be 38,000 feet up, but this McDonald’s – located in Taupo, on New Zealand's North Island – has a decommissioned Douglas DC-3 as part of its restaurant. The plane previously carried passengers of South Pacific Airlines of New Zealand during the 1960s, and it was also once a crop duster. Climb aboard for a Big Mac with a side of history and excitement.

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