Blue Sky Tower, Mongolia - Things to Do in Blue Sky Tower

Things to Do in Blue Sky Tower

Blue Sky Tower, Mongolia - Complete Travel Guide

Blue Sky Tower stands as Mongolia's tallest building and most recognizable modern landmark in Ulaanbaatar, the country's sprawling capital. This gleaming skyscraper pierces the skyline at 105 meters, offering visitors a striking contrast to the traditional gers and Soviet-era architecture that still define much of the city. The tower houses offices, luxury apartments, and crucially for travelers, an observation deck that provides genuinely impressive panoramic views across the vast Mongolian steppe. Ulaanbaatar itself is a fascinating study in contrasts - a rapidly modernizing city where traditional herders still drive livestock through traffic-clogged streets, and where ancient Buddhist monasteries sit alongside gleaming shopping centers. The city serves as the perfect base for exploring Mongolia's incredible wilderness, but it's also worth spending time here to understand how this ancient nomadic culture is adapting to the 21st century.

Top Things to Do in Blue Sky Tower

Blue Sky Tower Observation Deck

The tower's observation deck on the 25th floor offers the best bird's-eye view of Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding steppes. On clear days, you can see for miles across the rolling hills that stretch endlessly toward the horizon, giving you a real sense of Mongolia's vast scale.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 10,000 MNT (about $4). Visit during late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. The deck is open daily but can close during severe weather.

Gandan Monastery

This active Buddhist monastery is home to a 26-meter-tall golden Buddha statue and offers insight into Mongolia's spiritual heritage. You'll likely encounter monks going about their daily routines, and the morning prayers are particularly atmospheric.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed, but arrive before 4 PM when it closes. Photography inside costs extra (around 5,000 MNT). Dress modestly and be respectful during prayer times.

National Museum of Mongolia

This museum does an excellent job of telling Mongolia's story, from dinosaur fossils to Genghis Khan's empire to Soviet occupation. The traditional costume collection is genuinely impressive, and the ethnographic displays help you understand nomadic culture before heading out to the countryside.

Booking Tip: Entry is about 8,000 MNT for adults. English-language tours are available for an additional fee and are worth it for the historical context. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit.

Choijin Lama Temple Museum

This beautifully preserved temple complex showcases traditional Mongolian Buddhist architecture and houses an impressive collection of religious art and artifacts. The intricate woodwork and colorful paintings give you a sense of the artistic traditions that flourished before the Soviet era.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost around 8,000 MNT. The museum is smaller than others, so 1-2 hours is sufficient. Audio guides are available in English for better understanding of the religious significance.

Zaisan Memorial Hill

This Soviet-era monument requires a bit of a climb but rewards you with panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The circular mosaic depicts scenes of Mongolian-Soviet friendship, making it an interesting historical artifact in its own right.

Booking Tip: Free to visit and accessible year-round. The climb takes about 15-20 minutes up steep steps. Best visited in late afternoon for golden hour lighting and cooler temperatures.

Getting There

Chinggis Khaan International Airport, about 50 kilometers south of the city, handles most international arrivals. The airport bus runs regularly to the city center for around 3,000 MNT, though taxis are more convenient at about 25,000-35,000 MNT. If you're coming overland, the Trans-Mongolian Railway connects Ulaanbaatar to both Beijing and Moscow, making for an epic journey. The train station is relatively central, and taxis from there to most hotels cost around 5,000-10,000 MNT.

Getting Around

Ulaanbaatar's public transport system consists mainly of buses that can be crowded and confusing for visitors. Taxis are your best bet - they're relatively affordable and most drivers know basic English or can use translation apps. Ride-hailing apps like UBCab work well and show prices upfront. For longer stays, some visitors rent cars, though traffic can be chaotic and parking challenging. Walking is pleasant in the city center, particularly around Sükhbaatar Square and the main shopping areas.

Where to Stay

Sükhbaatar Square area
Khan-Uul District
Chingeltei District
Bayangol District
Songino Khairkhan District
Bayanzürkh District

Food & Dining

Ulaanbaatar's food scene blends traditional Mongolian cuisine with international options. You'll find excellent mutton and beef dishes, along with dairy products that are central to nomadic culture. Traditional restaurants serve hearty meals like buuz (steamed dumplings) and khorkhog (barbecued meat). The city also has surprisingly good Korean, Chinese, and Western restaurants, reflecting its position between major cultures. Street food is limited, but the central market offers authentic local snacks. Many restaurants near Blue Sky Tower cater to business travelers with more upscale Mongolian and international menus.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

DeQuattro by Rosewood

4.5 /5
(990 reviews) 2

Naadam Bar & Restaurant, Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

4.5 /5
(552 reviews)
bar

Namaste Baga toiruu

4.5 /5
(434 reviews) 2

Namaste Olympic Street

4.6 /5
(424 reviews)

Sakura Bakery Cafe

4.6 /5
(404 reviews) 2

Hutong Restaurant, Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

4.6 /5
(327 reviews)

When to Visit

Summer months (June through August) offer the warmest weather and longest days, making this the peak tourist season. Temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing, though occasional rain showers occur. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) can be pleasant but unpredictable - you might encounter everything from warm sunshine to sudden snowstorms. Winter is brutally cold with temperatures often dropping below -20°C, but the city takes on a stark beauty, and you'll have attractions largely to yourself. For the clearest views from Blue Sky Tower, aim for the drier months of late spring through early autumn.

Insider Tips

The tower's elevator can be slow during peak hours, so allow extra time if you're on a tight schedule
Many restaurants and shops in the area around Blue Sky Tower accept credit cards, unlike much of the rest of the city where cash is still king
Air quality can be poor during winter months due to coal heating, so those with respiratory issues should plan accordingly

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