The Most Unique McDonald's Locations Worldwide

Some unique McDonald's locations are anything but ordinary.  These aren’t your average burger joints slinging Big Macs under fluorescent lights. They are historic banks, castles and jaw-dropping cultural landmarks where you can bite into a McChicken while soaking in architecture that belongs in a museum. Some even ditch the classic American menu to serve up local delicacies, proving that fast food can be just as seductive as fine dining.

McDonald's global influence is undeniable, with the chain holding the record as the largest fast-food restaurant chain in the world, operating in over 100 countries with more than 41,800 locations, according to the World Record Academy. This widespread presence has led to unique adaptations of McDonald's restaurants around the world, blending fast food with regional culture and history.

From McDonald's restaurants housed in century-old mansions to those infused with stunning regional flavors, these unique McDonald's around the world blend fast food with rich cultural heritage. Curious to explore or see if there’s one near you? We’ve rounded up the most unique McDonald's worldwide, from one that looks like the White House to others inside ancient temples, historic train stations and palatial landmarks serving gourmet takes on local cuisine.

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• Unique McDonald's Locations in the United States
• Other Unique McDonald's Around the World

Unique McDonald's Locations in the United States

1. Walt Disney World Resort, Florida

As if Disney World wasn’t magical enough, it is home to one of the most unique McDonald's locations in the world. This McDonald's is a net-zero energy restaurant designed with sustainability in mind. Covered in solar panels and featuring a giant living green wall, it generates as much energy as it uses. 

Guests can even hop on stationary bikes outside to burn off calories while helping power the building. Beyond its cutting-edge design, this unique McDonald's offers an interactive experience with kiosks and environmental storytelling.

Walt Disney World Resort McDonald’s | 1596 W. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

2. New Hyde Park, New York 

Housed inside a Georgian-style mansion, this McDonald’s was originally an 18th-century farmhouse before being converted into a grand estate in the 1860s. When McDonald's purchased the property in the 1980s, the community pushed to save it from demolition, leading to a full restoration that preserved its white pillars, double staircase and vintage shutters. 

This is one of the most unique McDonald's locations in the country, offering an upscale atmosphere that feels more like a historic landmark than a fast-food spot.

New Hyde Park McDonald’s | 2045 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040

3. Downey, California

One of the most unique McDonald's locations, this historic restaurant in Downey, California, is the oldest operating McDonald's in the world. Opened in 1953, it retains its original Googie-style architecture, complete with a neon sign featuring "Speedee," McDonald's original mascot before Ronald McDonald took over. 

Unlike modern locations, this one lacks a drive-thru and still operates as a classic walk-up stand, making it a true blast from the past. Beyond its vintage design, this site stands out among other unique McDonald's locations, with a small museum and gift shop filled with historic memorabilia. 

Downey McDonald’s | 10207 Lakewood Blvd., Downey, CA 90240

4. Sedona, Arizona 

McDonald's is known for its golden arches, but in Sedona, Arizona, they are a rare turquoise blue. City regulations required a color change to blend with Sedona's red rock landscapes, making this one of the most unique McDonald's locations in the world. 

The building follows Pueblo-style architecture, fitting seamlessly into its surroundings. While the menu is standard, the setting makes this one of the most photographed and unique McDonald's locations anywhere.

Sedona McDonald’s | 2380 W. State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

5. Roswell, New Mexico 

McDonald’s went full sci-fi with this UFO-shaped restaurant in Roswell, New Mexico. With a sleek metallic exterior, glowing neon lights and alien murals, it fully embraces the town’s extraterrestrial lore. 

A little green alien even shares space on the sign next to the golden arches. Inside, the intergalactic theme continues with space-age artwork, sci-fi sculptures and a massive Play Place designed like a spaceship. Among the most unique McDonald's locations, this restaurant stands out for its immersive design and galactic atmosphere. 

Roswell McDonald’s | 720 N. Main St., Roswell, NM 88201, USA

6. Fairhaven, Massachusetts

This McDonald's location captures the charm of a 1950s diner with towering golden arches, black-and-white tiled floors and neon lighting. Vinyl booths and a jukebox playing classic hits make it a nostalgic spot for visitors.

Inside, a jukebox plays old-school hits, and the service counter is designed like a piano. As one of the most unique McDonald's locations, it’s a must-visit for anyone craving a side of nostalgia with their meal.

Fairhaven McDonald’s | 14 Plaza Way, Fairhaven, MA 02719

7. Chicago, Illinois 

McDonald's global headquarters is home to one of the most unique McDonald's locations, offering a rotating menu of international favorites. Guests can try items like poutine from Canada, spicy garlic black pepper Chicken McNuggets from China and The 280 Dijon from France (depending on availability), all while watching a world map light up to show featured countries.

With sleek décor, digital kiosks and table service, this restaurant feels more like a high-end café. While classic menu staples remain, adventurous diners can explore international flavors that have even influenced McDonald's secret menu.

This flagship location is also home to Hamburger University, McDonald’s elite training center, where employees from around the world receive top-tier education in restaurant management and leadership. Since its founding in 1961, Hamburger University has trained thousands of McDonald’s leaders, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to innovation and service excellence

Chicago McDonald’s | 1035 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607, United States

8. Independence, Ohio 

McDonald's doesn’t get much fancier than this. The location is set in a stately, two-story colonial-style building, which ditches the usual golden arches for a more refined look. Chandeliers, a grand staircase and elegant balconies make it feel more like a historic estate than a fast-food joint. Being one of the most unique McDonald's locations, it combines fast food with an upscale dining atmosphere.

Independence McDonald’s | 6201 Brecksville Road, Independence, OH 44131

9. West Yellowstone, Montana

Nestled near the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, this McDonald's embraces its rugged surroundings with a log cabin design, wooden signage and bear sculptures. Even the décor inside features wildlife photography and a cozy, lodge-like atmosphere. 

As one of the most unique McDonald's locations, it showcases Montana’s outdoorsy aesthetic. While you’re here, you can still find some of the healthiest items at McDonald's but expect higher-than-usual prices.

West Yellowstone McDonald’s | 100 S. Canyon St., West Yellowstone, MT 59758

10. Freeport, Maine

In the charming seaside town of Freeport, you’ll find one of the most unique McDonald's locations in the world inside a 19th-century mansion. The Gore House, built in the 1850s, was preserved and transformed into a McDonald’s in 1984 after the town rejected plans for a modern building. 

With colonial architecture, mahogany furnishings and a working fireplace, this restaurant integrates history with fast food.  Among the unique McDonald's locations, it remains a rare example of how a global brand can adapt to local heritage. 

McDonald’s Freeport | 11 Mallett Drive, Freeport, ME 04032

Other Unique McDonald's Around the World

11. Taupo, New Zealand

In Taupo, New Zealand, one of the most unique McDonald's locations takes dining to new heights, literally. This restaurant features a fully restored 1943 DC-3 plane where guests can enjoy their meal inside the fuselage. 

The cockpit remains intact for visitors to explore, adding to the aviation-themed experience. As one of the world’s most unusual McDonald's, it has become a must-visit spot for travelers and fast-food fans. 

Taupo McDonald’s | CNR Roberts & Puapehu St., 48 Roberts St., Taupo 3330, New Zealand

12. Penang, Malaysia 

Set inside the historic Birch House, this spot in Penang, Malaysia, is one of the unique McDonald's locations that merges fast food with colonial heritage. Originally built in 1908 as an office for a tin smelting plant, the mansion was later preserved and transformed into a 24-hour McDonald’s. Retaining much of its original architecture, this is one of the unique McDonald's locations where history and modern convenience come together.

Penang McDonald’s | 73 Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

13. Fuzhou, China 

In the heart of Fuzhou’s historic San Fang Qi Xiang district, this McDonald’s is a stunning blend of tradition and modernity. Designed to resemble an ancient wooden inn, the two-story restaurant features a terraced roof, intricate wooden carvings and glowing red lanterns. 

While the setting transports visitors to the past, the menu offers both the most popular McDonald's items and localized specialties. Among unique McDonald's locations, this one feels like a portal to another era.

Fuzhou McDonald’s | Nanhou St., Sanfang Qixiang, Fuzhou, Fujian, China

14. Debrecen, Hungary 

The McDonald's in Debrecen, Hungary, is one of the unique McDonald's locations that seamlessly merges fast food with old-world charm. Housed in a historic-looking building, this restaurant draws plenty of attention with its elegant façade, arched windows and European architectural details. 

It offers a stark contrast to the brand’s usual modern design, creating a dining experience that feels more like stepping into a vintage café than a global fast-food chain.

Debrecen McDonald’s | Piac u. 53, Debrecen, Hungary

15. Shenzhen, China 

The McDonald's on Dongmen Street in Shenzhen is one of the unique McDonald's locations with deep historical significance. As the first McDonald's in China, it welcomed over 40,000 customers on its opening day in 1990. 

The three-story restaurant features traditional Chinese design with pagoda-style roofs and the brand’s signature elements. Decades later, it remains a standout among unique McDonald's locations, marking a key moment in the chain’s global expansion.

Shenzhen McDonald’s | 3002 Dongmen Nanlu, 1/F, Unit A11-A12, Shenzhen, China

16. Paris, France

Tucked between ornate buildings on Rue Saint-Lazare, this unique McDonald's location in Paris offers more than just fast food. Housed in a building from 1892, the restaurant retains its pristine timbered façade and intricate carvings. Inside, the classic McDonald’s menu meets Parisian charm, making it a must-visit spot for those who appreciate architecture.

Paris, France McDonald’s | 119 Rue Saint-Lazare, Paris 75008, France

17. Porto, Portugal 

McDonald's Imperial in Porto, Portugal, is one of the most unique McDonald's locations, housed in a stunning Art Deco building that once operated as the famous Café Imperial. This location retains its grandeur with chandeliers, stained-glass windows and intricate friezes. Among unique McDonald's locations, this one offers a refined setting where visitors can enjoy a McCafé pastry alongside classic menu items.

Porto McDonald’s | Praça da Liberdade 126, 4000-322 Porto, Portugal

18. Yangshuo, China

Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Yangshuo, China, this McDonald's offers a dining experience like no other. Surrounded by towering karst mountains and a serene river, it’s one of the unique McDonald's locations where nature takes center stage. The restaurant’s design stays simple to avoid distracting from the stunning views, making it a surprising yet scenic stop for tourists.

Yangshuo McDonald’s | Chengzhong Road, Yangshuo, Guilin, Guangxi, China

19. Kristiansand, Norway

The McDonald’s in Kristiansand, Norway, is housed in a former bank building, offering a unique blend of historical architecture with modern fast food. The building’s marble columns and elegant design make it one of the most unique McDonald's locations in the world. 

While the menu offers familiar items like the Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets, it also includes local specialties like the dijon and cheese, and limited editions like the Norwegian salmon burger, adding to the appeal of these unique McDonald's locations.

Kristiansand McDonald’s | Markens Gate 11, 4611 Kristiansand, Norway

20. Lisbon, Portugual 

Located in Lisbon's historic Belém district, this McDonald's is hard to miss with its salmon pink façade and traditional Portuguese charm. Housed in a heritage building, it is one of the unique McDonald's locations, drawing both tourists and locals. While the inside remains a standard McDonald's, the menu offers regional specialties like the CBO (Cheddar, Bacon, Onion burger) and creamy pea soup. 

Lisbon McDonald’s | Travessa da Praça, nº2-14 1300-000, Lisbon

21. São Paulo, Brazil 

Known as Méqui1000, this McDonald’s in São Paulo, Brazil, features an impressive, White House-inspired facade. One of the most unique McDonald's locations in the world, it was the 1,000th McDonald's to open in Brazil. Inside, you’ll find both classic favorites like the Big Mac and Brazilian specialties such as the McCrispy Chicken Legend and Cheddar McMelt. The grandeur of the building and gourmet menu offerings make it a remarkable destination for visitors.

Sao Paulo, Brazil McDonald’s | ​Avenida Paulista 1811, Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP 01311-200, Brazil​

Now you know some of the most unique McDonald's locations the world has to offer, whether you're in the U.S. or traveling abroad. These aren't just places to grab a quick bite, but must-see destinations in their own right, with history, culture and unexpected menu surprises you won’t find at your local drive-thru.

From McDonald's restaurants inside historic train stations to those serving regional specialties like McSpaghetti or gourmet burgers, each one offers a fresh take on fast food.  Our list of the most unique McDonald's around the world proves that sometimes the setting is just as exciting as the meal.

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