Most travelers arrive in Ulaanbaatar expecting a brief pitstop before heading into the countryside. Many of them end up spending longer than planned. The city is chaotic, fascinating, cold in winter and surprisingly warm in summer, and full of the energy that comes from a place reinventing itself in real time.
Ulaanbaatar — or UB as almost everyone calls it — sits in a wide valley at 1,350 meters elevation, surrounded by low mountains on three sides. Home to roughly half of Mongolia's entire population (about 1.5 million people), the city combines Soviet-era grey architecture with gleaming glass towers, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries with Korean barbecue restaurants, and traditional ger (yurt) districts with luxury shopping malls. It is genuinely unlike any other capital city.
This Ulaanbaatar travel guide covers everything you need: the best sights, where to eat, how to get around, safety advice, and the day trips that make UB a real travel base rather than just a transit point.
Top Things to See in Ulaanbaatar
Chinggis Khaan (Sükhbaatar) Square
The city's central square — officially renamed Chinggis Khaan Square — is the heart of Ulaanbaatar and the best place to orient yourself. A large equestrian statue of Chinggis Khan commands the steps of the Government Palace, flanked by marble colonnades. The square itself is spacious and frequently animated with activity: school groups, locals crossing on foot, occasional military ceremonies.
The Government Palace houses a fascinating interior when partially open to visitors, and the Mongolian Stock Exchange — housed in what was once a cinema — sits on the square's eastern edge. On summer evenings especially, the square has a pleasant social energy. It's also the central gathering point for the Naadam festival in July, when the city transforms.
Gandantegchinlen Monastery
The most important active Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, Gandan (as everyone calls it) was founded in 1838 and miraculously survived the Stalinist purges of the 1930s that destroyed most of Mongolia's 700+ monasteries and executed thousands of monks. Today, approximately 150 monks live and study here.
The highlight of any visit is the Migjid Janraisig Sum — a towering inner sanctum housing a 26.5-meter-tall gilded statue of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the original of which was melted down by Soviet authorities. The rebuilt statue, completed in 1996, is covered in gold and precious stones and genuinely extraordinary.
Arrive in the morning (ceremonies begin around 9–10am) to witness monks in deep-red robes completing their circumambulations, spinning brass prayer wheels in the outer courtyard, and chanting in the main halls.
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily Entry fee: Approximately $1.50 USD (4,000 tögrög); photography fee extra
National Museum of Mongolia
For context on everything you'll see during your wider travels in Mongolia, the National Museum is essential. The collection spans prehistoric artifacts, Turkic period stone figures, Mongol Empire weaponry and armor, traditional costumes from every ethnic group in Mongolia, and a comprehensive account of the Mongol Empire and its aftermath.
Exhibits are well-organized with English signage, and the staff are genuinely knowledgeable. Allow two to three hours. The museum is located just north of Chinggis Khaan Square.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Entry fee: Approximately $3 USD
Bogd Khan Palace Museum (Bogd Khaan Örgöö)
Mongolia's last religious and political leader before the communist period, the 8th Bogd Khan (Jebtsundamba Khutuktu), lived in this ornate palace complex in the southern part of the city from 1893 until his death in 1924. The complex — a series of six temples and a winter palace — survived the purges largely because Soviet authorities converted it into a museum in 1924.
Today it houses an extraordinary collection of the Bogd Khan's personal belongings: robes made from 150 snow leopard pelts, ceremonial regalia, gifts from foreign governments, and the tsar's personal collection of exotic animals. The winter palace itself is maintained in its original state. It's one of the most unusual and evocative museums in all of Asia.
Opening hours: Wednesday–Monday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Entry fee: Approximately $3 USD
Zaisan Memorial
South of the city, on a hilltop overlooking Ulaanbaatar, the Zaisan Memorial was built in 1971 to commemorate Soviet-Mongolian friendship and the Soviet soldiers who died in World War II. The circular mosaic mural at the top depicting Soviet-Mongolian solidarity is Soviet kitsch at its finest — vivid, earnest, and fascinating as a historical artifact.
But the real reason to visit Zaisan is the view. The 360-degree panorama across Ulaanbaatar, the Tuul River valley, and the encircling mountains puts the city's scale in perspective. It's a long staircase climb (282 steps), but the view at the top is worth every one of them.
Free entry. Best visited at sunrise or sunset.
Narantuul Market (The Black Market)
Narantuul — locally known as the Black Market, a name dating from its informal origins rather than any illicit connotation — is the largest open-air market in Mongolia and one of the most immersive experiences in the city. Sprawling across several covered halls and outdoor stalls, it sells everything: deels (traditional Mongolian coats), cashmere goods, horse tack and saddles, tools, electronics, fresh food, and household items.
Shopping here is chaotic, energetic, and requires vigilance. Pickpocketing is a known issue at Narantuul — keep your valuables secured and consider visiting with a guide your first time. That said, the market is genuinely thrilling to walk through, and the cashmere sweaters and traditional items available here are often much cheaper than in tourist shops.
Opening hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (busiest on weekends)
State Department Store
The State Department Store on Chinggis Khaan Square is a more comfortable shopping experience — a multi-floor mall-style building with a good selection of cashmere, souvenirs, traditional crafts, artwork, and everyday goods. The basement food hall is one of the best places in the city to pick up packaged local products to take home. The top floor has restaurants with views over the square.
Where to Eat in Ulaanbaatar
Traditional Mongolian Food
Mongolian cuisine is hearty, meat-focused, and deeply rooted in nomadic practicality. The dishes you should try at least once:
- Khuushuur: Deep-fried mutton dumplings — the quintessential Mongolian street food, particularly popular during Naadam.
- Buuz: Steamed mutton dumplings, a staple of family life and the centerpiece of Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) celebrations.
- Tsuivan: Stir-fried noodles with beef or mutton — filling, cheap, and everywhere.
- Khorkhog: Meat (usually lamb or goat) slow-cooked with hot stones inside a metal vessel; a celebratory dish often made for special occasions.
- Airag: Fermented mare's milk — sour, slightly fizzy, and an acquired taste that is absolutely worth trying.
- Suutei tsai: Salted milk tea, the daily drink of Mongolian households.
Where to eat Mongolian food: BD's Mongolian BBQ and Modern Nomads Restaurant are reliable options for visitors wanting an approachable introduction to Mongolian flavors. For authentic local tsuivan and buuz in a no-frills setting, head to any of the small canteen-style guanz restaurants near Chinggis Khaan Square.
Best Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar's restaurant scene is considerably more international than first-time visitors expect:
- Hazara Restaurant: Consistently one of the highest-rated restaurants in the city. Indian and Central Asian cuisine with excellent curries and warm hospitality. Ideal for a proper sit-down dinner after a day of sightseeing.
- The Bull Hotpot: Mongolian-style hotpot with fresh ingredients; lively atmosphere and a fun social dining experience.
- Veranda: Mediterranean cuisine in an intimate setting. The thin-crust pizza is exceptional; pasta dishes are a local favorite. Make reservations.
- Namaste Restaurant: Another top-rated Indian restaurant with consistently excellent food.
- Millie's Espresso: A beloved casual spot for international comfort food, great coffee, and homemade baked goods. Centrally located and popular with expats.
- Loving Hut: A well-established vegan restaurant on Tourist Street with creative Mongolian-inspired plant-based dishes. Reliable and affordable.
- Los Bandidos: Mexican-Indian fusion with outstanding margaritas, housemade tortillas, and a lively atmosphere.
Budget eating: A meal at a local guanz (canteen) costs $3–5 USD. Mid-range restaurant mains run $8–18 USD. Top-end restaurants are $20–40 USD per person for a full dinner.
Getting Around Ulaanbaatar
Taxi
The most practical option for most visitors. Use licensed taxi apps — UBCab is widely used and recommended — rather than hailing unmarked street taxis, which are associated with occasional overcharging. A ride across the city center typically costs 3,000–6,000 tögrög ($0.90–$1.80 USD).
On Foot
The city center around Chinggis Khaan Square is very walkable. Most major attractions — the monastery, the museums, the square, the State Department Store — are within 30 minutes of each other on foot.
Public Bus
Ulaanbaatar has an extensive bus network, but routes are posted in Mongolian only and buses can be overcrowded during rush hour. Useful if you're comfortable navigating in Mongolian; otherwise, taxis are easier.
Car Hire
Not recommended within the city — traffic congestion is severe, parking is limited, and driving standards are erratic. For day trips into the countryside, a hired 4WD with driver is the standard arrangement.
Neighborhoods to Know
City Center / Chinggis Khaan Square area: Where most visitors spend the majority of their time. Hotels, restaurants, museums, and shops are concentrated here.
Sükhbaatar District: Commercial and governmental heart of the city; the National Museum and most central hotels are here.
Ger Districts (Khashaa): The sprawling informal settlements on the city's perimeter, where roughly half of Ulaanbaatar's population lives in traditional gers. These areas are not tourist destinations but offer an important counterpoint to the city center's polished face.
Zaisan area: Southern UB, quieter and more residential, with the Zaisan Memorial and Bogd Khan Palace.
Safety in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is classified as a low-threat location for crime by the U.S. Department of State, and the vast majority of visitors have no problems. Standard urban precautions apply:
- Keep valuables in a secure inner pocket or small daypack — pickpocketing can occur in crowded markets and on busy streets
- Use licensed taxis or app-based services; avoid unmarked vehicles operating as informal cabs
- Avoid walking alone late at night, particularly in areas near bars and nightclubs
- The Narantuul Market warrants extra vigilance; consider visiting with a guide
- Stray dogs are common in the ger districts and on city peripheries; give them a wide berth
The emergency number in Mongolia is 102 for police. Medical emergencies: 103.
Nightlife
Ulaanbaatar's nightlife is livelier than most visitors expect. The area around Seoul Street and the central bar district has a cluster of bars, live music venues, and clubs. Key spots:
- Dave's Place: A longstanding expat and traveler favorite; good beer, darts, and a relaxed atmosphere
- Fat Club: Jazz and live music in the basement of the Veranda building
- Grand Khaan Irish Pub: Popular, central, lively on weekends
Be aware that the highest risk period for street incidents is late at night around nightclub areas. Take taxis door-to-door rather than walking between venues after midnight.
Day Trips from Ulaanbaatar
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (70 km, 1.5 hours)
The most popular escape from the city — forested valleys, granite formations, ger camps, and horseback riding. Easy to arrange as a one- or two-day trip.
Hustai National Park (100 km, 1.5 hours)
Home to the world's last truly wild horses (Przewalski's horses). Dawn and dusk visits offer the best chances of seeing the takhi. Overnight stays recommended for maximum sightings.
Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex (54 km, 1 hour)
A 40-meter stainless steel equestrian statue of Chinggis Khan on the banks of the Tuul River — one of the tallest equestrian statues in the world. You can ride an elevator up to the horse's head for panoramic views. Best combined with a Terelj visit.
Manzushir Monastery (70 km south, 1.5 hours)
A ruined 18th-century monastery at the foot of Bogd Khan Uul (the sacred mountain that encircles UB's south), with good hiking trails and views across the Tuul River valley.
Practical Tips for Visiting Ulaanbaatar
- Currency: Mongolian tögrög (MNT). ATMs are widely available in the city center. Most major hotels and restaurants accept cards; smaller establishments and markets are cash-only.
- SIM card: Purchase a local SIM on arrival at the airport or in the city center; data is affordable and coverage in the city is excellent.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants is standard and appreciated. Tip guides and drivers $10–20 USD per person per day.
- Air quality: In winter, UB has significant air pollution from coal-burning gers. If visiting in winter, bring a good mask.
- Time zone: Mongolia Standard Time (UTC+8), with daylight saving adjustments. No jet lag trick here — plan accordingly.
Ready to Plan Your Visit?
Ulaanbaatar is the perfect basecamp for exploring Mongolia's wider landscapes, but it deserves at least two to three days on its own terms. The museums, monasteries, food, and energy of the city add essential context to everything you'll experience in the countryside.
Unveil Mongolia can arrange comfortable Ulaanbaatar accommodations, guided city tours, and seamless onward journeys to the Gobi Desert, Khuvsgul Lake, or anywhere else in Mongolia you want to explore.
