Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Travel Guide

Discover Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's dynamic capital where modern life meets ancient traditions, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

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Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is a city that seamlessly blends modernity with deep-rooted traditions. Nestled in the valley of the Tuul River, this vibrant city is where the past and present meet. From ancient monasteries to bustling markets, Ulaanbaatar offers a unique glimpse into the soul of Mongolia. Start your journey at Sukhbaatar Square, the central square of Ulaanbaatar, named after the revolutionary hero. The square is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Government Palace and statues that echo Mongolia's rich history. A visit to the Gandantegchinlen Monastery is a must, where the tranquil atmosphere and impressive 26.5-meter-high statue of Avalokitesvara will leave you in awe. For a taste of Mongolia’s natural beauty, take a trip to the nearby Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Here, you can hike, horseback ride, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes that define Mongolia. The park's Turtle Rock and Aryabal Meditation Temple are popular spots that provide both scenic beauty and spiritual solace. Don't miss the National Museum of Mongolia, where you can delve deep into the country's history, from the era of the Great Khans to modern times. After a day of exploration, relax in one of the city’s many cozy cafes or vibrant restaurants, sampling traditional Mongolian cuisine such as khorkhog or buuz. Ulaanbaatar might be your gateway to the wild steppes, but it’s also a destination full of its own charm and surprises.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ulaanbaatar.

Visit in late spring or early autumn for the best weather.
Carry cash, as many places do not accept credit cards.
Learn a few basic Mongolian phrases; locals appreciate the effort.
Be prepared for traffic; plan to walk or use public transport.
Respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites.

Neighbourhoods in Ulaanbaatar

Bayanzurkh District

Chingeltei District

Sukhbaatar District

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Ulaanbaatar

Explore Ulaanbaatar: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Ulaanbaatar

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex

Explore the grandeur of the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex - a cultural landmark celebrating Mongolia's rich heritage and history.

4.5

National Park

Discover Ulaanbaatar's National Park: A serene escape with stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and immersive nature experiences near Mongolia's capital.

4.4

National Museum of Mongolia

Discover Mongolia’s rich heritage at the National Museum, where ancient history meets modern culture in Ulaanbaatar.

4.3

Bogd Khaan Palace Museum

Explore the captivating history of Mongolia at the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, home to artifacts and stories from the last king's era.

4.4

Best landmarks in Ulaanbaatar

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Best Landmarks

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Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex

Experience Mongolia's rich history at the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, home to the world's largest equestrian statue and a deep dive into the legacy of Genghis Khan.

4.5

Gandantegchinlen Monastery

Explore the serene beauty and spiritual depths of Gandantegchinlen Monastery, a vital landmark of Mongolian culture and Buddhism in Ulaanbaatar.

4.4

Narantuul Market

Explore Narantuul Market, Ulaanbaatar's vibrant marketplace offering local crafts, delicious food, and a unique cultural experience.

3.8

Zaisan Monument

Explore Zaisan Monument in Ulaanbaatar: A historical tribute with breathtaking views and rich cultural significance.

4.4

Best restaurants in Ulaanbaatar

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Grand Khaan Irish Pub

Discover Grand Khaan Irish Pub in Ulaanbaatar: where traditional Irish charm meets Mongolian hospitality for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.1

The Bull Hot Pot Restaurant

Discover authentic Mongolian flavors at The Bull Hot Pot Restaurant—where fresh ingredients meet delightful broth choices.

4.4

Rosewood Kitchen + Enoteca

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Rosewood Kitchen + Enoteca in Ulaanbaatar—where every dish tells a story.

4.5

Veranda

Discover an exquisite blend of local and international cuisine at Veranda, Ulaanbaatar's premier restaurant and wine bar.

4.4

Best bars in Ulaanbaatar

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Grand Khaan Irish Pub

Discover the lively atmosphere and authentic Irish cuisine at Grand Khaan Irish Pub in Ulaanbaatar, where locals and tourists gather for great food and drinks.

4.1

Fat Cat Jazz Club Ulaanbaatar

Dive into the vibrant jazz scene of Ulaanbaatar at Fat Cat Jazz Club, where live music and a lively atmosphere await every night.

4.7

Brussels Belgian Beer Cafe

Discover a taste of Belgium at the Brussels Belgian Beer Cafe in Ulaanbaatar, featuring an extensive beer selection and traditional dishes.

4.1

SALM PUB & BAR

Discover the lively ambiance and local flavors at SALM PUB & BAR in Ulaanbaatar, the perfect destination for an unforgettable night out.

4.1

Best nightclubs in Ulaanbaatar

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CHOCO CLUB ULAANBAATAR

Unleash your nightlife spirit at Choco Club Ulaanbaatar, where vibrant music, exquisite cocktails, and lively entertainment await every night.

4.1

MINT Club

Discover the lively nightlife at MINT Club in Ulaanbaatar, an exciting destination for dancing, drinks, and unforgettable memories.

3.7

ZU CLUB

Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Ulaanbaatar at ZU CLUB, where music and excitement come alive until dawn.

3.9

Lux Club

Discover the heart of Ulaanbaatar's nightlife at Lux Club, where music, dancing, and unforgettable moments come alive.

3.3

Best shops in Ulaanbaatar

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Narantuul Market

Explore Narantuul Market, a bustling hub in Ulaanbaatar, filled with local crafts, delicious street food, and authentic Mongolian culture for an unforgettable experience.

3.8

Ulaanbaatar Department Store

Experience the vibrant shopping scene at Ulaanbaatar Department Store, offering a mix of modern fashion, local crafts, and delectable dining options in Mongolia's capital.

4.2

Naadam Center

Experience the cultural heartbeat of Ulaanbaatar at Naadam Center, where shopping, dining, and tradition come together.

4.3

GOBI Flagship Store

Discover the luxury of Mongolian cashmere at the GOBI Flagship Store in Ulaanbaatar, where tradition meets contemporary fashion.

4.4

Explore Ulaanbaatar on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Ulaanbaatar, mapped for you.

Ulaanbaatar Essentials

Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is primarily accessed via Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN), located about 18 kilometers southwest of the city. Direct flights are available from various major cities including Beijing, Moscow, and Seoul. Additionally, Ulaanbaatar can be reached by train on the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow or Beijing, offering a scenic yet long journey through the vast landscapes of Russia and Mongolia.
In Ulaanbaatar, public transportation options include buses and minibuses (known locally as 'microbuses'), which are inexpensive and cover most parts of the city. Taxis are also readily available and relatively affordable, but it's advisable to use registered taxi services. Ride-hailing apps like UBCab are popular and convenient. For a more adventurous way to explore, consider renting a car, but be prepared for traffic and varying road conditions.
The official currency in Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in Ulaanbaatar. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller shops or markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, and currency exchange services can be found at the airport, banks, and exchange offices.
Ulaanbaatar is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar neighborhoods. Areas such as the Narantuul Market, while popular, are known for petty theft. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
In case of an emergency, dial 102 for police, 103 for an ambulance, and 101 for fire services. Ulaanbaatar has several hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak some English.
Fashion: Do dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the weather can be unpredictable. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect when visiting Buddhist temples and monasteries by dressing modestly and removing your shoes. Public Transport: Do be mindful of your belongings and offer seats to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and a slight bow. A common greeting is 'Sain baina uu?' which means 'Hello, how are you?'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings) and accept food offerings graciously. Don't stick chopsticks upright in your food, as it's considered bad luck.
To experience Ulaanbaatar like a local, visit the bustling Narantuul Market for a taste of local life and traditional goods. Spend an evening at a traditional Mongolian barbecue restaurant and try Airag, a traditional fermented mare's milk. Attend a cultural performance featuring throat singing and traditional dance. For a quieter experience, stroll through the serene Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, just outside the city, and visit a local ger (yurt) to learn about nomadic lifestyles.

When is the best time to visit Ulaanbaatar?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Ulaanbaatar

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Ulaanbaatar. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloСайн уу
  [Sain uu]
- GoodbyeБаяртай
  [Bayartai]
- YesТийм
  [Tiim]
- NoҮгүй
  [Ugui]
- Please/You're welcomeӨөрөө баярлалаа
  [Ooroo bayarlalaa]
- Thank youБаярлалаа
  [Bayarlalaa]
- Excuse me/SorryУучлаарай
  [Uuchlaarai]
- How are you?Та яагаад байна уу?
  [Ta yaagad baina uu?]
- Fine. And you?Сайн байна. Чамд байна уу?
  [Sain baina. Chamd baina uu?]
- Do you speak English?Та англи хэл ярьдаг уу?
  [Ta angli khel yardag uu?]
- I don't understandБи ойлгож чадаагүй
  [Bi oilgoj chadaagui]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюг харагаад итгэлтэй
  [Menyug kharagaad itgeltai]
- I don't eat meatБи мах идэхгүй
  [Bi makh idekhgui]
- Cheers!Амжилт!
  [Amjilt!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseТөлбөр хийхийг хүсч байна
  [Tolbor khikhiig khust baina]
- Help!Туслаач!
  [Tuslaach!]
- Go away!Яллах!
  [Yallakh!]
- Call the Police!Полици утга хий!
  [Politsei utga khee!]
- Call a doctor!Эмч утга хий!
  [Emch utga khee!]
- I'm lostБи гарсан байна
  [Bi garsan baina]
- I'm illБи эмчлэгтэй
  [Bi emchlegtei]
- I'd like to buy...Би ... авахыг хүсч байна
  [Bi ... avakhig khust baina]
- I'm just lookingБи зөвхөн харахыг хүсч байна
  [Bi zovkhon kharakhig khust baina]
- How much is it?Энэ нэмэлт их байна уу?
  [Ene nemelt ikh baina uu?]
- That's too expensiveЭнэ хэтэрхий үнэтэй
  [Ene khetertee unettei]
- Can you lower the price?Та үнийг бууруулах боломжтой уу?
  [Ta unii buuruulakh bolomzhtoi uu?]
- What time is it?Цаг хэд вэ?
  [Tsag khed ve?]
- It's one o'clockНэг цаг байна
  [Neg tsag baina]
- Half past (10)Арван хойно
  [Arvan khoino]
- MorningӨглөө
  [Ogloo]
- AfternoonОрой
  [Oroi]
- EveningОройн
  [Oroin]
- YesterdayӨчигдөр
  [Ochigdor]
- TodayӨнөөдөр
  [Onoodor]
- TomorrowМаргааш
  [Margash]
- 1Нэг
  [Neg]
- 2Хоёр
  [Khoyor]
- 3Гурван
  [Gurvan]
- 4Дөрөв
  [Dorov]
- 5Тав
  [Tav]
- 6Зургаа
  [Zurgaa]
- 7Долоо
  [Doloo]
- 8Найм
  [Naim]
- 9Ес
  [Es]
- 10Арав
  [Arav]
- Where's a/the...?... хаана байгаа вэ?
  [... khaana baigaa ve?]
- What's the address?Хаяг хэнд байгаа вэ?
  [Khayag khend baigaa ve?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Та нэмэлтон харуулж өгч болох уу?
  [Ta nemelton kharuulj ogch bolokh uu?]
- When's the next (bus)?Дараах (автобус) хэдэн цагт ирдэг вэ?
  [Daraakh (avtobus) kheden tsagt irdegu ve?]
- A ticket (to ....)Тасалгаа (.... рүү)
  [Tasalga (.... ruu)]

History of Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar, originally named Urga, was founded in 1639 as a nomadic Buddhist monastic center. It started as a movable monastery and eventually settled in its current location in 1778. The city served as a significant religious and cultural hub in Mongolia.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Ulaanbaatar was under the control of the Qing Dynasty. With the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, Mongolia declared independence, and Ulaanbaatar became the capital of the newly independent country. However, true independence wasn't achieved until 1921.
From 1911 to 1924, Ulaanbaatar was the capital of the Bogd Khanate of Mongolia. The state was named after the Bogd Khan, the spiritual leader of Mongolia, who played a central role in the country's push for independence from Chinese rule.
In 1924, Ulaanbaatar was renamed from Urga to Ulaanbaatar, meaning 'Red Hero', in honor of Mongolia's Communist revolution. The city underwent significant transformation under Soviet influence, with the establishment of modern infrastructure, industry, and education systems.
During the 1930s, Ulaanbaatar experienced a period of intense cultural revolution and purges. Many Buddhist monasteries were destroyed, and thousands of monks were persecuted as the communist government sought to diminish the influence of religion in society.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Mongolia transitioned to a democratic government and market economy. Ulaanbaatar has since undergone rapid modernization, becoming a bustling metropolis with a mix of traditional Mongolian culture and contemporary urban development.
Ulaanbaatar is renowned for hosting the annual Naadam Festival, which takes place in July. This traditional event, dating back centuries, features 'The Three Manly Games' of wrestling, horse racing, and archery, and is a significant cultural festivity that attracts locals and tourists alike.
The Gandantegchinlen Monastery, commonly known as Gandan Monastery, is one of Ulaanbaatar's most important religious sites. Founded in the 19th century, it survived the communist purges and remains a central place of worship and cultural heritage in the city.
The National Museum of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar offers a comprehensive overview of the country's history, from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum's extensive collection includes artifacts from Mongolia's nomadic cultures, the Mongol Empire, and the socialist era.
Sukhbaatar Square, named after the revolutionary hero Damdin Sukhbaatar, is the central square of Ulaanbaatar. It is surrounded by significant buildings, including the Government Palace and the National Museum. The square is a focal point for public gatherings and historical commemorations.