Things To Do
in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia’s bustling capital, a crossroads of nomadic heritage and urban growth. The city blends Soviet-era architecture with modern glass towers, monasteries, and lively markets. Winters are long and famously cold, while summers bring rapid temperature swings and gusty winds.
From ancient temples to modern galleries, UB serves as a gateway to Mongolia’s vast countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a peaceful stroll around Sükhbaatar Square, where you can admire the impressive statue of Genghis Khan and the surrounding government buildings. After soaking in the atmosphere, visit the National Museum of Mongolia to learn about the rich history and culture of the country. Don't forget to try a local breakfast of buuz, steamed dumplings filled with meat, at a nearby café.
In the afternoon, make your way to the Gandan Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. Here, you can observe monks in prayer and explore the stunning architecture, including a towering statue of Megjid Janraisig. Afterward, grab lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy traditional dishes while mingling with locals.
As night falls, head to the State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet for an enchanting performance showcasing Mongolian arts. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling more local cuisine and perhaps some Mongolian vodka. Wrap up your evening with a stroll through the vibrant streets, soaking in the nightlife and local culture.
Start your day by visiting the Zaisan Memorial, which offers a panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar and commemorates Soviet soldiers who fought in World War II. Take a moment to reflect on the history while enjoying the stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. Afterward, make your way back to the city center for a traditional Mongolian breakfast.
In the afternoon, venture to the Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs, where you can see fascinating fossil exhibits and learn about the prehistoric creatures that roamed the region. This unique museum is perfect for families and anyone with an interest in paleontology. Following your visit, enjoy lunch at a local eatery that specializes in hearty stews and soups.
As evening approaches, visit the Ulaanbaatar Night Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, local handicrafts, and delicious street food. Engage with local vendors and try some traditional snacks such as khuushuur, deep-fried meat pastries. After shopping, find a cozy café to relax and reflect on your day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚇Public transport ticket | $0.25-0.75 per ride |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-120 |
| 🥟Dumplings or street snack | $1-3 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at cafe | $1-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and welcoming locals
- Vibrant markets, food scene, and nearby nature
- Easy access to day trips from the capital
- Harsh winter climate and occasional travel disruption
- Language barriers outside central districts
- Rougher rural road conditions in some areas
- "Sain bainaa uu?" - How are you?
- "Sain bainaa." - Hello.
- "Bayartai" - Thank you.
- "Uuchlaarai" - Sorry / Excuse me.
- "Tanii ner ni yu?" - What is your name?
Places to Visit in Ulaanbaatar
Visit one of these nice places.
The city’s core square with neoclassical government buildings and a prominent statue; great for dawn and dusk shots.
Golden domes and serene courtyards offering reflective photography around Buddhism in Mongolia.
Historic palace interiors and tranquil gardens ideal for capturing period architecture.
A panoramic vantage point over UB and surrounding mountains, especially stunning at sunset.
Architectural highlights and lively city streets for night and street photography.
Food in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onions, typically served with dipping sauce.
Must-Try!
Deep-fried meat turnovers with onion and spices, a popular street food.
Noodle and meat stew with vegetables, a hearty comfort dish.
Mutton or goat cooked with hot stones in a sealed container, savory and smoky.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A sprawling traditional and street-food market where you can sample fresh snacks, dumplings, grilled meats, and local produce.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting like 'Sain bainaa uu?' is customary. Show respect to elders and avoid pointing with the finger.
Remove shoes when entering homes or certain sacred sites; dress modestly at religious sites.
Mongolians value hospitality; accept invitations when possible and accept offered tea or airag when offered.
Safety
Tipping in Ulaanbaatar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in tourist-focused venues. In mid- to high-end restaurants, 5–10% is common; rounding up taxi fares is courteous.
Cash (MNT) is widely accepted, with increasing use of credit/debit cards in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in central UB. ATMs are common in the city, and some places accept mobile payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild to warm days (often 15–25°C) with long daylight hours; occasional rain and dusty conditions. Ideal for outdoor markets, walks, and day trips.
Cooling temperatures with crisp air and colorful foliage; comfortable for city exploring and photography.
Very cold and dry, with temperatures often well below freezing and strong winds. Pack multiple layers, warm boots, and prepare for icy sidewalks.
Transition period with variable weather; can be chilly with late-season snow and melting snowmelt in the city.
Ulaanbaatar at Night
Hiking in Ulaanbaatar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular city-accessible hikes with forested slopes and scenic city views.
A short trip from the city featuring dramatic rock formations, meadows, and easy to moderate hikes.
Airports
How to reach Ulaanbaatar by plane.
UB’s primary international airport, located about 52 km from the city center; taxi or bus connections are available to reach downtown.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in the capital, often bilingual in Mongolian and Russian or English in tourist zones.
Smaller communities including Kazakh and other ethnic groups, contributing to cultural diversity in the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional cornerstone of Naadam and Mongolian sport culture; spectatorship is common during festivals and local events.
Another Naadam staple, with open-air shoots and competitions that visitors can observe.
Part of Naadam’s trio of events; in and around UB, you may find local demonstrations and rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ulaanbaatar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Meat is central in many dishes, but you can find vegetable stews, potato and mushroom dumplings, and dairy-based dishes. When ordering, request 'ednii huluu (no meat)' or 'vegetarian' in English and look for dairy or potato-based options as substitutes.