City Guide – Ulaanbaatar

Brand g Mongolia Exploration itinerary, here are the Ulaanbaatar highlights:

• Explore the capital city – Visit key landmarks and cultural sites.
• Mongolia Museum of Natural History – Discover exhibits on Mongolia’s rich history and wildlife.
• Traditional Mongolian folk concert – Experience dance, throat singing, and traditional performances.
• Mini Naadam Festival – Witness Mongolia’s three national sports: horse racing, wrestling, and archery.

Here’s an updated list of things to do and see in Ulaanbaatar, excluding the Brand g highlights:

Ulaanbaatar City Museum – A museum dedicated to the history of Mongolia’s capital, housed in a landmark early 20th-century building.
Address: Peace Avenue, Ulaanbaatar

Bogd Khaan Palace Museum – The former winter palace of Mongolia’s last king, showcasing royal artifacts and Buddhist relics.
Address: Bogd Javzandamba Street 15, Khan-Uul District, Ulaanbaatar

Mongol Costumes Museum – A fascinating collection of traditional Mongolian attire, highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Address: Olympic Street, Ulaanbaatar

Zaisan Memorial – A hilltop monument honoring Soviet soldiers, offering panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar.
Address: Zaisan Hill, Ulaanbaatar

Gandan Monastery – One of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist monasteries, home to a massive golden Buddha statue.
Address: Gandan District, Ulaanbaatar

Mini Gobi Desert – A unique day trip just outside the city, featuring sand dunes, camel rides, and breathtaking sunsets.
Location: Near Ulaanbaatar

The Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs – A paleontological museum dedicated to Mongolia’s incredible dinosaur discoveries.
Address: Chingeltei District, 5th Khoroo, Independence Square, Ulaanbaatar

Top-Rated Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar

Modern Nomads – A well-known Mongolian restaurant offering traditional dishes with a modern twist.
Address: Sukhbaataryn Gudamj 1, central Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar

Nagomi Restaurant – A Japanese restaurant serving fresh sushi and authentic Japanese cuisine.
Address: 2nd floor, Gallery Ulaanbaatar Center, Bayangol, Ulaanbaatar

The Embassy Restaurant – A stylish dining spot offering international cuisine in an elegant setting.
Address: Laagan Street 3/1, Chingeltei District, Ulaanbaatar

Café Park Restaurant – A buffet-style restaurant located in the Shangri-La Hotel, featuring a variety of global dishes.
Address: 19 Olympic Street, Sukhbaatar District – 1, Ulaanbaatar

Rosewood Kitchen + Enoteca – A cozy Italian restaurant known for its homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
Address: Seoul Street 7/1, Ulaanbaatar

For more options, check out Tripadvisor’s list of top restaurants in Ulaanbaatar here or Wanderlog’s curated selection here.

Best Bars in Ulaanbaatar

Silk Road Bar & Grill – A lively bar offering craft cocktails and a great selection of international dishes.
Address: Jamyan Gun Street 5-1, Bayangol, Ulaanbaatar

Naadam – A stylish bar located in the Shangri-La Hotel, known for its upscale ambiance and premium drinks.
Address: Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar, 19 Olympic Street, Ulaanbaatar

Pyramid Pub and Restaurant – A popular spot for drinks and live music, offering a relaxed atmosphere.
Address: Bayangol District, Ard-Ayush Avenue, Ulaanbaatar

Dublin Irish Pub – A classic Irish pub serving great beer and hearty pub food.
Address: Seoul Street, Ulaanbaatar

Cosy Club Ulaanbaatar – A trendy bar with a welcoming vibe, perfect for a casual night out.
Address: 15 Chinggis Avenue, Bayangol, Ulaanbaatar

For more nightlife options, check out Avis Mongolia’s nightlife guide here or Wanderlog’s list of best bars here.

LGBTQ+ Rights & Safety in Ulaanbaatar

Mongolia has made some progress in LGBTQ+ rights, with employment discrimination protections in place since 2022. However, same-sex marriage and adoption remain unrecognized, and legal gender changes require surgery. While public discussion of LGBTQ+ topics is not censored, societal acceptance is still evolving.

Ulaanbaatar is generally safe for LGBTQ+ travelers, but public displays of affection may attract attention, and legal protections against discrimination remain incomplete. The LGBT Centre actively advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and provides support.

Easiest Ways to Get Around Ulaanbaatar

Rideshare app: UB Cab – please note that the traffic in UB can be incredibly congested and oftentimes walking will be faster.

Walking & Cycling – Some areas are pedestrian-friendly.