Things to do in Ulaanbaatar

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Mongolia

Sukhbaatar Square

Sukhbaatar Square is located in the city center of Ulaanbaatar and is the most important city square in Mongolia. The square was originally named Sukhbaatar Square, named after the Mongolian independence revolutionary hero Damdin Sükhbaatar. It was renamed to Sukhbaatar Square in 2013 and reverted to its original name in 2016, but many citizens are still accustomed to using the name Sukhbaatar Square. On the north side of the square is the State Palace, which houses the Mongolian President, government, and parliament. In front of it, the colonnade monument features a seated statue of Genghis Khan, flanked by statues of his son, Ögedei Khan, and his grandson, Kublai Khan. In the center of the square stands the equestrian statue of Sükhbaatar. The square is surrounded by buildings such as the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet and the Central Cultural Palace. It is the core venue for Mongolia's politics and culture, where national celebrations and large-scale cultural events are often held.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Ulaanbaatar

Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex

Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex It is said to be the place where Chinggis Khaan discovered a golden whip. The statue is 40m tall, with a total height of approx. 50m including the base. It is one of the largest equestrian statues in the world, completed in 2008 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Mongol Empire. The statue is constructed from 250 tons of stainless steel, and its image of him on horseback gazing into the distance is majestic and vivid. The base houses a museum displaying historical artifacts, traditional costumes, and archaeological findings from Mongolia. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck in the horse's head to overlook the vast surrounding grasslands. The surrounding area features cultural exhibition zones and souvenir shops, and it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Mongolia.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Mongolia

National Museum of Mongolia

National Museum of Mongolia is located in Ulaanbaatar and is the largest comprehensive museum in the country, housing over 57,000 exhibits. The museum's predecessor dates back to the National Central Museum, which began development in 1924. The current building was originally the Museum of the Revolution, completed in 1971, and was officially renamed the National Museum of Mongolia in 2008. The exhibitions cover the history of the Mongolian Plateau from the Stone Age to the 20th century, including prehistoric sites, artifacts from the Mongol Empire period, collections from the Qing Dynasty rule, as well as traditional costumes of various ethnic groups, nomadic cultural implements, and religious art. The museum also houses 12th-century armor and precious correspondence between the Mongol Khans and the Pope. Exhibits include descriptions in Mongolian and English, making it a central location for a comprehensive understanding of Mongolian history and culture.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Mongolia

Gandantegchinlen Monastery

Gandantegchinlen Monastery has a history of nearly 200 years, was built by the then-abbot, and is now a very famous attraction in Mongolia. Behind the temple stands a huge statue of Tsongkhapa. Continue along the main road to the end to find the spectacular Migjid Janraisig Sud, which houses hundreds of paintings of Amitayus and several smaller Buddha statues that seem to be gazing at the great Buddha, creating a very solemn atmosphere.

Zaisan Monument

The Zaisan Monument is located on Zaisan Hill south of Ulaanbaatar and was built in 1956 to commemorate the Mongolian and Soviet soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War II. The core of the monument is a large circular mural that vividly depicts major historical scenes of friendship between the two countries, including the independence of Mongolia in 1921, the Soviet army's defeat of the Japanese Kwantung Army in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939, the victory over Nazi Germany in 1945, and Soviet space flight achievements. Visitors need to climb hundreds of steps to reach the top, which offers a panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar and the Tuul River. At the foot of the hill, there is also a T-34 tank monument funded by the Mongolian people, which is an important attraction for understanding Mongolia's modern history.

Zaisan Hill Complex

Bogd Khaan Palace Museum

The Palace Museum of Bog Khan is composed of the Summer Palace and the Winter Palace. It was originally the place where Bogdo Khan VIII Jebzundamba (1870-1924) lived and conducted religious activities. The Summer Palace was built in 1893, and its architectural styles include Mongolian-Tibetan style and Chinese style. The attraction is currently under renovation, and the opening time can be confirmed before going: info@bogdkhaanpalace.org.

National Park

Located on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, this park is a natural area featuring dense forests, grasslands, and rivers, and is home to a variety of birds and wildlife. The park features walking and cycling paths, making it suitable for outdoor hiking and nature exploration. The surrounding open grasslands and woodlands provide a space for residents to connect with nature, making it a popular choice for weekend outings and outdoor activities. The park maintains a relatively pristine natural landscape. In a country like Mongolia, known for its vast grasslands, this green space offers visitors a rich variety of natural scenery.

National Amusement Park

Located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, the National Amusement Park is a leisure landmark that cleverly blends retro charm with modern vitality. Its convenient location makes it a popular spot for local families and young tourists to relax. The park's unique feature is its accessible, open-admission model, allowing visitors to stroll freely, take photos, or rest on the grass. The park offers a wide variety of facilities, ranging from gentle rides suitable for young children to roller coasters that get thrill-seekers' hearts racing. Among them, the eye-catching retro Ferris wheel is both nostalgic and charming, offering panoramic views as it slowly ascends. Beyond the rides, the white castle in the center of the park reflects on the lake, giving the entire atmosphere the feel of a tranquil, large-scale park.

National Sports Stadium

National Sports Stadium is located in Ulaanbaatar and is Mongolia's major multi-purpose outdoor stadium, with a capacity of approx. 12,500 spectators and covering an area of approx. 27 hectares. The stadium was built in 1958 with Soviet assistance. Every July, it becomes the core venue for Mongolia's grandest traditional festival, the Naadam Festival, where traditional sports such as wrestling, archery, and horse racing take place, attracting large crowds of spectators. The stadium also hosts soccer and track and field events and is an important symbol of Mongolian sports culture.