Things to do in Ulaanbaatar
ULAANBAATAR
City Guide: Top things to do
Got a couple of days up your sleeve in Ulaanbaatar and looking for a few suggestions? These are some of our favourite things to do outside of the Social cycles itinerary!
Food
Modern Nomad 2 Modern Nomads is a great choice if you want to try Mongolian food from a menu with lots of pictures and English writing. Big variety of food that is not dumbed down for tourists- think horse meat, tongue and sheeps head. Among others. Website, Google Map Link. and Instagram Page.
BD’s Mongolian BBQ. From the same people as Modern Nomads, BD’s Mongolian BBQ is the traditional ‘pile your bowl high’ and give it to the chef to toss on a massive grill. Food is as good as you choose! All you can eat, or single plate options available. Google map link and Instagram page.
Cafe 9 Just down the road from the hotel, a good place to go if you want a Melbourne quality coffee. There’s also a number of ‘Starbucks’ style cafes in UB. This is not one of them. Google Map Link.
The Green Zone This is a great chance to consume a heap of vegetables at this trendy vegetarian friendly restaurant. Think bean bags, hammocks, greenery for atmosphere and salads, sandwiches and smoothies for food. Google map link and Trip Advisor.
Modern Nomad 3 Different location and slightly different atmosphere to the other Modern Nomad locations. If you’re looking for something different, but kind of the same, then look no further. Website, Google Map Link. and Instagram Page.
Luna Blanca Vegan Restaurant If your body is crying out for vegetables, you could do a lot worse than this Buddhist influenced vegan restaurant. A great twist on Mongolian classics with some dishes finding pretty good substitutes for meat, whilst others just making the vegetables the hero. Google map link and Instagram page.
Culture
Chinngis Khan Statue Complex is at least a half day trip out of UB. This impressive statue stands some 40m high and you can stand out on the horses head for this view. Well worth the visit. Transport can be arranged through Social Cycles. Map link here.
Sukhbaatar Square is arguably the centre of town and often the home to weekend events. A great place to people watch, the scale and size of the public square is immense, and a great destination for photography. If you’re lucky, you may see some locals in traditional dress. Map link here.
National Museum There is no shortage of museums in UB, but if you’re only going to see one, then this is the pick of the bunch. There’s extensive artifacts & antiquities tracing Mongolia’s history, ethnography & culture. Website and map link here.
Gandan Monastery District is part of the Social Cycles walking tour, so don’t head here if you’re joining the SC ride. However, if you’re just looking for independent UB info, this is definitely worth checking out. A great insight into Buddhism within Mongolia. Map link.
Shopping
Ethical Souvenirs – Mary & Martha’s is a great place for souvenirs that support the growth of small and micro indigenous businesses. Think camel and yak scarves, shawls, wall hangings, cushion covers, bags etc. Website and map link.
Markets – Narun Tuul also known as the black market, this is a great local place to pick up more practical souvenirs and traditional clothing. Fantastic place to people watch, but watch out for your belongings as it’s known for pickpockets too. Map link.
Musical Instruments – Egshiglen If you’re looking to pick up a morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), then look no further than Egshiglen. This musical instrument store has the best range of Mongolian musical instruments. Website and map link.
Souvenirs – State Dept Store is your run of the mill giant shopping complex, but if you’re looking to buy a token gesture souvenir for the office gang back home, then there’s a good range of chocolates in little ger boxes etc that will tick the box. Map link.
Cashmere – Gobi Cashmere Factory Outlet is located out in the industrial areas, so it’s best to get a taxi. The factory outlet has last years stock at reduced prices, whilst the flagship store is next door. Website and map link.
Cycling World is perfect if you’ve forgotten something that you might need for your bike, such as a water bottle, or any other accessories. Or if you just want to have a bit of a look! Website and map link.
Avoid
Getting your pockets picked is a terrible way to start your holiday! Whilst Mongolia has a very low crime rate, crowded areas such as Naran Tuul market have been known to be a hotspot. Just take extra care here, but don’t let it deter you from visiting.
Visiting an orphanage. Orphanages are not tourist attractions. Donations can actually increase the amount of orphans, not help them. Read more about the issue here, and learn more about better ways to help here.
Short term volunteering. Unless you have a unique specialized skill, short term volunteering rarely has a positive impact, and can often have a negative impact. We’d recommend a minimum of 3 months to volunteer and only to train local adults in your speciality. Read more here.
Accidentally being rude to locals can be an easy mistake to make if you’re not aware of local customs. Our top tip: When you visit somebody’s home, you will be offered a milk tea. Even if you don’t want it, it’s important to accept and take a small sip first before you put it down. You don’t need to finish it.