Last Updated: September 2026
If you’re traveling to Mongolia, there’s a good chance you’ll spend at least a little time in Ulaanbaatar, the country’s capital and the main gateway to the rest of Mongolia.
While many travelers use Ulaanbaatar as a quick stop before heading out into the countryside, I actually think it’s worth spending 1–2 days exploring the city. There are plenty of cultural experiences, shopping, food and easy day trips to keep you busy.
I spent time exploring Ulaanbaatar during my trip to Mongolia, and these were my favorite things I did and would recommend adding to your itinerary.
Ulaanbaatar Quick Hits
Recommended time: 1–2 days
Best for: Culture, shopping, food & easy day trips
Getting around: Walking + UBCab
Best day trip: Terelj National Park + Chinggis Khaan Statue
Currency: Mongolian Tögrög (MNT)
Good to know: Many attractions in central Ulaanbaatar are within walking distance of each other.
My Top 3 Things to Do in Ulaanbaatar
If you’re short on time and only have one day in Ulaanbaatar, I’d prioritize:
- See the Tumen Ekh Folk Song and Dance Ensemble
- Visit a Mongolian cashmere store
- Explore central Ulaanbaatar and the National Amusement Park
If you have an extra day, I’d use it for a day trip to Terelj National Park and the Chinggis Khaan Statue.
You can’t really visit Mongolia without hearing about cashmere.
Mongolia is one of the world’s major cashmere-producing countries, so visiting a cashmere store is a great way to learn more about how it’s made and potentially pick up some high-quality pieces for much less than you might pay back home.
There are several well-known Mongolian cashmere brands, including Gobi Cashmere and Evseg. Some have factory stores on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar where you can learn about the cashmere-making process and shop directly from the brand.
The factory stores are outside the city center, so I recommend taking a UBCab rather than relying on public transportation. If you’re planning to spend some time shopping, you can also ask your driver to wait for you and take you back into the city afterward. I ended up doing this and it cost about 40,000 MNT (~$11) for the whole trip. I paid the driver in cash.
If you aren’t interested in seeing the factory, most major cashmere brands also have stores in central Ulaanbaatar, which are much easier to get to.
My tip: If you’re looking for a souvenir from Mongolia that you’ll actually use, cashmere is one of the best options.
And if you’re visiting Mongolia on a budget, don’t feel like you need to buy anything at the first store you visit. There are plenty of brands and shops around the city, so it’s worth comparing prices and styles first. I personally preferred Gobi Cashmere even though they were a bit pricier as their designs were more unique.
This was one of my favorite things I did in Ulaanbaatar.
The Tumen Ekh Folk Song and Dance Ensemble puts on an approximately one-hour performance showcasing different aspects of traditional Mongolian culture. The performance takes place inside a large ger at the National Amusement Park.
For around 60,000 MNT per person, you can see everything from throat singing and traditional dancing to contortion, archery and shamanic rituals all in one performance.
It’s a great option if you want to experience traditional Mongolian culture without spending a lot of money or leaving the city to see each of these individually.
I recommend getting there a little before 5:30 PM so you have a better chance of getting a front-row seat. When I went, tickets could be purchased in person before the show in cash.
My Tip: You are not allowed to record during the performance or take photos but you can pay extra to do so prior to the show if you so wish. I think it was better to not take videos in order to fully enjoy the experience as there is always a lot happening on stage at once.
If you only have time for one cultural experience in Ulaanbaatar, I’d definitely consider this one.
2. See the Tumen Ekh Folk Song and Dance Ensemble
If you don’t have time to do a longer trip into the Mongolian countryside, a day trip from Ulaanbaatar is a great way to get a taste of what Mongolia has to offer.
There are plenty of tour operators offering day trips that combine several sights, including:
- Bogd Khan Winter Palace – the former residence of Mongolia’s last king
- Terelj National Park – one of the easiest places to experience Mongolia’s dramatic landscapes from Ulaanbaatar
- Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex – home to one of the world’s largest equestrian statues (pictured to the left)
Terelj National Park is especially worth visiting if you’re staying mostly in Ulaanbaatar. It’s an easy way to get out of the city and experience some of the landscapes Mongolia is famous for.
The Chinggis Khaan Statue is also impressive to see in person and makes for a good addition to a day trip.
One thing to keep in mind: If you’re already doing a multi-day Mongolia tour, check your itinerary before booking this separately. Many longer tours include Terelj and the Chinggis Khaan Statue, so you don’t want to pay to visit the same places twice.
My tip: If this is your first time in Mongolia and you don’t have much time outside the capital, I’d definitely consider adding this day trip.
3. Take a Day Trip to Terelj National Park and the Chinggis Khaan Statue
If you’re looking for souvenirs, clothes or just something to do between sightseeing, Ulaanbaatar has plenty of shopping options.
State Department Store (Pictured to the Left)
The State Department Store is one of the easiest places to start.
While it is definitely geared toward tourists, it’s still a convenient place to find Mongolian souvenirs, clothing, cashmere and other items, including foreign brands all in one place.
It’s also worth wandering around even if you don’t plan on buying anything and marveling at all the Mongolian produced goods.
Markets and Thrift Stores
For something a little more interesting, check out some of Ulaanbaatar’s smaller markets and thrift stores.
I visited Onion Store, a well-curated thrift shop with a lot of Japanese- and Korean-style clothing. If you like finding unique pieces while traveling, this was one of my favorite places to browse.
There are also other markets and shopping centers around the city if you’re looking for cheaper or more unusual items. Just keep in mind that some markets may sell counterfeit goods at very cheap prices so just be aware you may not be buying the genuine thing. One of example of this is Grand Plaza.
My tip: Don’t only stick to the tourist shops. Some of my favorite finds were from smaller local stores.
4. Go Shopping in Ulaanbaatar
The National Amusement Park is a small amusement park right in the center of Ulaanbaatar.
You don’t have to pay anything to enter or walk around, and you can purchase tickets separately if you want to go on the rides.
The park has a distinctly old-school feel, with Soviet-era influences mixed with the usual amusement park attractions. It’s not somewhere I’d spend an entire day, but it’s a fun place to wander around for a little while.
I actually recommend stopping by even if you aren’t interested in the rides. It’s an easy addition to a day exploring central Ulaanbaatar.
My Tip: If you’re already visiting the Tumen Ekh performance, you can easily combine the two since the performance is held in the park.
5. Walk Around the National Amusement Park
Other Things to Do in Ulaanbaatar
There are plenty of other things to do around the city that I didn’t personally get to during my trip.
Some of the popular options include:
- Chinggis Khaan National Museum
- Gandan Monastery
- Exploring Ulaanbaatar’s temples
- Checking out the city’s bars and nightlife
- Exploring more of the local markets and shopping areas
I didn’t personally do these, so I don’t want to recommend them based solely on other people’s reviews. However, they are popular with visitors and generally receive good reviews online.
If you have more time in Ulaanbaatar, these could be good options to add to your itinerary.
How Long Do You Need in Ulaanbaatar?
For most travelers, I’d recommend 1–2 days in Ulaanbaatar.
One day is enough to see some of the main sights, shop for souvenirs and experience the Tumen Ekh performance. With two days, you can slow down a little and add a day trip to Terelj National Park and the Chinggis Khaan Statue.
That said, I wouldn’t spend too much of your Mongolia trip in the city. The real highlight of Mongolia for me was getting out into the countryside and seeing the landscapes, nomadic life and everything that makes Mongolia so unique.
If you’re planning a longer trip, check out my guide on [Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Mongolia Before I Arrived] for some of the things I wish I’d known before visiting.
Final Thoughts
Ulaanbaatar might not be the reason most people travel to Mongolia, but I think it’s worth giving the city a little time before heading out into the countryside.
You can experience traditional Mongolian music and performances, shop for cashmere, explore local markets and easily escape the city for a day to see some of Mongolia’s famous landscapes.
And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably end up using Ulaanbaatar as your base between adventures around the country.
Check out my other articles about Mongolia to be best prepared before your travels:
Author: May
May is a travel blogger and photographer obsessed with adventures and solo trips. She has explored over 55 countries and wants to help you travel smarter. Learn more about her and her adventures at http://mayadventuresabroad.com/about