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Ulaanbaatar, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Things to Do in Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Complete Travel Guide

Ulaanbaatar, the capital and largest city of Mongolia, serves as the cultural and economic heart of this vast landlocked nation. located in the Tuul River valley and surrounded by four sacred mountains, the city presents a fascinating blend of ancient nomadic traditions and rapid modernization. Soviet-era architecture stands alongside gleaming shopping centers, while traditional gers (yurts) can still be found on the city's outskirts, creating a unique urban landscape that reflects Mongolia's complex history and evolving identity. Home to nearly half of Mongolia's population, Ulaanbaatar offers visitors an authentic gateway to understanding Mongolian culture, from its Buddhist heritage centered around Ulaanbaatar to its nomadic traditions preserved in museums and cultural centers. The city serves as the perfect launching point for adventures into the Mongolian steppe, while also providing urban amenities, busy markets, and a growing culinary scene that showcases both traditional Mongolian cuisine and international influences.

Top Ulaanbaatar

Gandan Monastery and Buddhist Heritage

Visit Mongolia's most important Buddhist monastery, home to hundreds of monks and featuring the impressive 26-meter tall Migjid Janraisig statue. Witness morning prayers and explore the various temples while learning about Mongolia's Buddhist revival after the Soviet era. The monastery complex offers insight into Mongolian spiritual life and impressive examples of traditional architecture.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $3-5 USD, with additional fees for photography. Visit early morning (8-9 AM) to witness prayer ceremonies, but be respectful and quiet. Dress modestly and consider hiring a local guide for $15-20 to understand the religious significance and history.

Mongolian History at National Museum

spend time in Mongolia's rich history from prehistoric times through the Mongol Empire to modern independence. The museum houses exceptional collections including traditional costumes, weapons, and artifacts from the time of Genghis Khan. Interactive exhibits and detailed displays provide complete insight into nomadic culture and Mongolia's role in world history.

Booking Tip: Admission is approximately $5 USD with audio guides available for an additional $3. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. The museum is closed on Mondays, and English descriptions are limited, so consider booking a cultural tour that includes professional guiding.

Traditional Culture at Zaisan Memorial

Climb the 300 steps to this Soviet-era memorial commemorating fallen soldiers, which offers panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding mountains. The circular memorial features detailed mosaics depicting friendship between Mongolia and Russia. The site provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to understand Mongolia's complex 20th-century history.

Booking Tip: Free to visit, but wear comfortable walking shoes for the steep climb. Best visited during sunset for spectacular views and cooler temperatures. Consider combining with a city tour for $25-40 that includes transportation and historical context from a local guide.

Shop and Dine at Narantuul Market

Navigate Mongolia's largest market, known locally as the 'Black Market,' where everything from traditional cashmere and felt products to electronics and food can be found. Experience authentic local life while bargaining for souvenirs, sampling traditional snacks, and observing the bustling commercial heart of the city. The market offers genuine cultural immersion and excellent shopping opportunities.

Booking Tip: Free to enter, but keep valuables secure and be prepared to bargain (start at 30-40% of asking price). Visit mid-morning for the best selection and energy. Consider joining a guided market tour for $20-30 to navigate safely and learn about local products and customs.

Day Trip to Terelj National Park

Escape the city to explore Mongolia's impressive natural landscape just 70 kilometers away, featuring dramatic rock formations, pristine valleys, and opportunities to visit nomadic families. Experience horseback riding, hiking, and traditional ger camps while enjoying the vast open steppes that define Mongolia. The park offers turtle-shaped rock formations and the famous Aryabal Meditation Temple.

Booking Tip: Day trips range from $40-80 USD including transportation and lunch. Book through reputable operators who provide experienced drivers familiar with rough roads. Summer months offer the best weather, but spring and fall provide fewer crowds and impressive seasonal colors.

Getting There

Chinggis Khaan International Airport, located 52 kilometers southwest of the city, serves as Mongolia's primary international gateway with connections to major Asian cities including Beijing, South Korea, Japan, and Moscow. MIAT Mongolian Airlines operates most international flights, while several Asian carriers provide regular service. The Trans-Mongolian Railway connects Ulaanbaatar to both Russia and China, offering a scenic overland option that takes approximately 30 hours from Beijing or 36 hours from Moscow. Airport transfers cost $15-25 USD by taxi or $5-10 by airport bus, while train stations are centrally located within the city.

Getting Around

Ulaanbaatar's public transportation consists primarily of buses and shared minivans (marshrutkas) that cost around $0.30 per ride, though routes can be confusing for visitors. Taxis are abundant and affordable, with rides across the city typically costing $3-8 USD, but ensure meters are used or negotiate fares beforehand. Many attractions are within walking distance of the city center, and ride-sharing apps are becoming increasingly available. For day trips and airport transfers, hiring private drivers or booking through hotels often provides the most reliable and comfortable option, especially given the city's challenging road conditions and traffic congestion.

Where to Stay

Ulaanbaatar Area
Peace Avenue District
Khan-Uul District
Bayangol District
Chingeltei District
Songinokhairkhan District

Food & Dining

Ulaanbaatar's dining scene blends traditional Mongolian cuisine with international options, centered around hearty meat dishes reflecting the country's nomadic heritage. Traditional restaurants serve mutton-based specialties like khorkhog (barbecued meat cooked with hot stones) and buuz (steamed dumplings), while modern establishments offer Korean, Chinese, and Western cuisine. The city's growing café culture provides excellent coffee and lighter meals, particularly around Ulaanbaatar and Peace Avenue. Local markets and street food stalls offer real feels with traditional dairy products and grilled meats, while upscale hotels feature refined takes on Mongolian classics alongside international buffets.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Mongolia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Millie's Espresso

4.5 /5
(472 reviews) 2
bakery cafe store

Café Park Buffet Restaurant

4.6 /5
(406 reviews)

Yuna Korean Restaurant (3,4 horoolol)

4.8 /5
(294 reviews)

Cafe Camino

4.6 /5
(212 reviews) 2
cafe store

Zhang Liang Malatang Mongolia 2

4.9 /5
(192 reviews)

UBean Coffee House & Roasterie

4.6 /5
(152 reviews) 2
bakery cafe store

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Ulaanbaatar is during the short summer season from June to August, when temperatures are warmest (15-25°C/59-77°F) and the surrounding countryside is green and accessible. Spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer mild weather with fewer tourists, though temperatures can be unpredictable. Winter visits (November-March) provide authentic cultural experiences and winter festivals, but temperatures can drop below -30°C (-22°F), requiring serious cold-weather preparation. The city experiences over 250 sunny days annually, but visitors should be prepared for dramatic temperature swings and occasional summer thunderstorms regardless of season.

Insider Tips

Learn basic Mongolian greetings as English is limited outside tourist areas, and locals greatly appreciate the effort
Carry cash (Mongolian tugrik) as many local establishments don't accept cards, and ATMs can be unreliable outside the city center
Respect local customs when visiting gers or monasteries - always enter with your right foot first and move clockwise around the interior space

Activities in Ulaanbaatar