Things To Do
in Ulan-Ude

Steamed meat dumplings (similar to Mongolian manti), filled with beef or lamb; you'll find them at markets, teahouses and family-run restaurants across the city.

Must-Try!

Pan-fried meat pies with a crisp exterior and juicy filling; popular at street stalls and fairs as a portable snack.

Traditional whole goat or marmot cooked with hot stones in the carcass — more commonly seen at festivals and rural gatherings than in city restaurants, but worth trying if offered during special events.

Salty milk tea infused with butter and occasionally with toasted barley — a Buryat staple served in many family homes and local tea houses.

Bustling market with fresh produce, smoked fish, local dairy products, and stalls selling buuz and khuushuur — a great place for sampling affordable local flavors.

Street vendors and small kiosks near the central pedestrian areas offering quick bites like fried dough, dumplings and regional snacks — good for on-the-go tasting.

Be respectful at datsans and churches: dress modestly, remove hats, avoid loud behavior, and ask before photographing monks or rituals.

Handshakes are common in formal situations; greet elders first and use polite forms of address. Close physical contact with strangers is less common than in some cultures.

Remove shoes when entering private homes and bring a small gift for hosts (sweets or flowers). Wait to be invited to sit or eat.

Learning a few Russian phrases is appreciated; be patient with language barriers and polite even if frustrated. Public displays of intoxication are frowned upon.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants 5–10% is common for good service. Round up in cafés or leave small change; tip guides and drivers individually based on service quality.

Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in larger restaurants, hotels and many shops, but cash (rubles) is useful for markets, small kiosks and taxis in outlying areas. ATMs are readily available in the city; consider carrying some cash for remote excursions. Russian card scheme Mir may be accepted at local banks and government establishments.

Short, warm summers (June–August) with long daylight hours, mild to warm temperatures and ideal conditions for hikes, river excursions and day trips to Lake Baikal. Bring layers — mornings and evenings can still be cool.

Crisp, scenic autumns with golden larch and birch turning color (September–October). Weather can change quickly; expect cool temperatures and the first frosts by late October.

Long, very cold Siberian winters (November–March) with temperatures often well below freezing (commonly -20 to -30°C, sometimes colder). Be prepared with appropriate cold-weather gear; some outdoor services and remote roads may be limited.

Short and variable (April–May): melting snow, muddy streets in places and gradually warming days. Mosquito season begins late spring in lowlands and lakeshores — bring repellent for excursions near water.