When a late-night craving strikes in Munich, it’s usually a tough one to satisfy. As sleep descends on the city and most restaurants close their doors, there’s one place that keeps the flag flying high for night owls: the McDonald’s at Karlsplatz. For over 30 years, the fast-food giant has been serving burgers and fries to Munich residents here almost around the clock. However, that will come to an end in early 2027—at least temporarily. That’s when the McDonald’s at Stachus will close for several months due to renovations.
On the road to success since 1971
Germany’s very first McDonald’s restaurant celebrated its grand opening in Munich in December 1971. It opened in Giesing next to the Grünwaldstadion, where it satisfied the hunger of soccer fans. The restaurant is still in business today, but it’s far from being the only one. There are a total of 26 McDonald’s restaurants in and around Munich. Among the chain’s most successful restaurants is the one on Karlsplatz. It opened in 1994 and was even the highest-grossing location in the entire world in 2006.
Not much has changed since then, which may be due not only to its central location but also to its long hours of operation. The McDonald’s is open a full 23 hours and closes only between 6 and 7 a.m. Since it’s practically right in the middle of the party district, it’s likely a popular stop for partygoers on their way home from the club. Starting in January, however, they’ll have to find another place to eat late at night for the time being.
Modernization of the McDonald’s at Stachus
After more than 30 years, the McDonald’s at Stachus needs a little facelift. Work is already underway on the facade of the right-hand roundabout, which is why the restaurant’s name isn’t visible at the moment. Instead, a large poster is displayed there, most recently promoting the upcoming GTA 6. Behind it, workers are busy ensuring the building will soon shine again in its former glory. The interior of the McDonald’s will be ready starting in January 2027. The branch at Goetheplatz was already renovated this year, and now it’s almost the Karlsplatz location’s turn.
Exactly how long you’ll have to go without McDonald’s isn’t clear at this point; the talk is only of several months. More specific details about the renovation work aren’t known either. So it remains to be seen what the iconic restaurant will look like after it reopens. The other stores in the Rondell aren’t affected; only access to the Hugendubel bookstore might change during the renovations. If you’re still craving fast food, you can stop by the McDonald’s in the Tal or at the main train station during this time.
