McDonald’s is a household name, recognized globally for its golden arches and extensive menu of fast food classics. However, beyond the usual high-traffic locations in malls, shopping centers, and highways, there are some McDonald’s outlets that remain hidden from the average consumer’s view. These lesser-known McDonald’s restaurants offer unique experiences or are located in locations where you wouldn’t expect to find a fast food chain. Here’s a look at some of the hidden McDonald’s locations that few people know about.
1. McDonald’s Inside the Louvre Museum in Paris
One of the most surprising and hidden McDonald’s locations is inside the Louvre Museum in Paris. This iconic museum, known for housing the Mona Lisa and countless works of art, also has a McDonald’s tucked away in a lower level of the museum. The fact that this fast food restaurant exists in a place steeped in history and culture may come as a surprise to many. While it’s not immediately visible when you enter, visitors who want a quick snack during their museum tour can stumble upon it, offering a unique fusion of culture and fast food. The McDonald’s in the Louvre offers a different vibe than your typical restaurant, with a more subdued and sleek design, blending in with the surrounding architecture.
2. McDonald’s on the Great Wall of China
Another unlikely McDonald’s is located at one of the most famous landmarks in the world: the Great Wall of China. Found at the Mutianyu section of the wall, this McDonald’s is far removed from the bustling urban centers. It’s the perfect pit stop for tourists looking for a break from the steep walk up the ancient wall. The Great Wall McDonald’s features a unique menu, with items tailored to local tastes, such as a spicy chicken sandwich and rice-based meals. The location is more of a convenience for travelers, offering an easy and quick meal in the midst of one of the world’s most historically significant locations.
3. McDonald’s in a Former Plane at McMinnville, Oregon
In McMinnville, Oregon, there’s a McDonald’s that resides inside a retired Boeing 747 airplane. This restaurant offers an entirely different dining experience as customers can sit inside the aircraft and enjoy their meals while taking in the unique ambiance. This McDonald’s location is part of the Evergreen Aviation Museum, allowing visitors to explore the airplane before grabbing a bite. It’s a quirky and fun way to combine aviation history with fast food.
4. McDonald’s at the Vatican
In Vatican City, home to the Pope and the heart of the Catholic Church, there is also a McDonald’s. This McDonald’s is located just a short distance from St. Peter’s Square, making it an ideal stop for tourists visiting the area. Although many might expect the Vatican to have traditional Italian eateries, the presence of McDonald’s is both surprising and convenient for visitors looking for a quick meal. The Vatican McDonald’s offers standard fare, but some unique touches can be found in the local menu adaptations.
5. McDonald’s in a Historic Castle in Germany
Located in the heart of a medieval castle in the town of Neuschwanstein, Germany, this McDonald’s is set against a breathtaking backdrop. This location has become an unlikely hotspot for tourists visiting one of the country’s most beautiful castles. While the castle itself is a historic and architectural wonder, the McDonald’s inside offers a modern twist on the historic structure. The McDonald’s here has a slightly different design, blending into the surrounding stonework and offering a surprisingly picturesque view from inside. It offers typical fare, but the uniqueness of its setting makes it a hidden gem.
6. McDonald’s Inside the Eiffel Tower
Situated on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, this McDonald’s location is not exactly hidden, but it’s definitely overlooked by many who come to the iconic landmark. The fast food restaurant is a convenient choice for tourists looking for a quick bite while taking in the view of Paris. The McDonald’s inside the Eiffel Tower is similar to others around the world, but its location makes it stand out. With long lines to visit the tower itself, this McDonald’s offers a moment to relax and refuel, with the added bonus of being one of the few fast food spots in the area.
7. McDonald’s in the Middle of the Desert (Yuma, Arizona)
Yuma, Arizona, is home to one of the most remote McDonald’s locations. Situated on the edge of the Sonoran Desert, this fast food restaurant might not look too unusual at first glance, but the stark desert landscape surrounding it makes this location one of the most hidden McDonald’s outposts in the U.S. The restaurant’s position makes it a vital stop for travelers crossing through this desolate region. The desert McDonald’s offers a standard menu, but its location makes it an oasis of comfort for those seeking shelter from the harsh desert environment.
8. McDonald’s in the Swiss Alps
Nestled in the small town of Zermatt in Switzerland, this McDonald’s is located in a picturesque alpine setting, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps. Zermatt is known for its skiing and hiking trails, and the McDonald’s offers a unique experience for tourists looking to fuel up after a day on the slopes. The location is surrounded by high-end chalets and boutiques, which creates a surprising juxtaposition between the fast food chain and the exclusive alpine environment.
9. McDonald’s in the U.S. Underground (Los Angeles, California)
Los Angeles has an underground McDonald’s, hidden in plain sight from the typical city hustle and bustle. Located beneath a busy shopping area in the downtown region, this McDonald’s is accessible only through a set of stairs. The location is considered a hidden gem, as it offers a quiet, unique ambiance, almost as if it’s a secret within the city. The décor differs from traditional McDonald’s restaurants, making it feel like an entirely different experience while still offering the beloved menu.
10. McDonald’s Inside a Former Jail (Adelaide, Australia)
In Adelaide, Australia, there is a McDonald’s located inside an old jailhouse. The location was once a part of the old Adelaide Gaol, which served as a prison until its closure in 1988. After it was decommissioned, the historic building was repurposed into a unique McDonald’s restaurant. The design incorporates some of the original features of the jail, such as the bars and stone walls, creating a strange but fascinating atmosphere. It’s an example of how McDonald’s has adapted to unique, and sometimes controversial, spaces in creative ways.
11. McDonald’s on a Boat (Copenhagen, Denmark)
In Copenhagen, Denmark, McDonald’s has a restaurant located on a boat. This floating McDonald’s is moored on the waters of the city’s harbor, offering diners an experience like no other. While the location might be small, it offers a pleasant ambiance with views of the water, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike who want a quick meal while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
12. McDonald’s at the International Space Station (Planned Future Location)
Although it’s not yet operational, McDonald’s has plans to take its food into space. In collaboration with space agencies like NASA, McDonald’s is aiming to bring its products to the International Space Station. The meals will be modified for space travel, but it’s a bold move into the unknown that showcases just how far the McDonald’s brand is willing to go to expand its influence and reach, even beyond Earth. While it may still be a few years away, the idea of eating a McDonald’s meal in zero gravity will likely become one of the most futuristic hidden McDonald’s locations.
Conclusion
McDonald’s has a knack for finding unusual locations for its restaurants, and these hidden gems are proof that the chain is willing to push boundaries to cater to its customers, no matter how unexpected the setting. From historic landmarks to remote corners of the world, these unique McDonald’s locations offer a surprising and sometimes quirky take on the fast food experience. Whether you’re exploring the Louvre, hiking in the Alps, or sightseeing in the desert, a McDonald’s might just be nearby, ready to offer a taste of home in the most unexpected places.