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National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Things to Do in National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet

National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet

National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Complete Travel Guide

Ulaanbaatar, the capital and largest city of Mongolia, is a fascinating blend of ancient nomadic traditions and modern urban development. Home to nearly half of Mongolia's population, this sprawling city sits at an elevation of 1,350 meters in the Tuul River valley, surrounded by four sacred mountains. The city serves as the political, cultural, and economic heart of Mongolia, where Soviet-era architecture stands alongside traditional gers (yurts) and gleaming modern buildings. The National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet represents one of Ulaanbaatar's premier cultural institutions, showcasing both classical Western performances and traditional Mongolian arts. Located in the heart of the city, this elegant venue has been entertaining audiences since 1963 and offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Mongolia's rich performing arts heritage. The theatre regularly hosts opera, ballet, and traditional Mongolian performances, making it an essential stop for culture enthusiasts visiting the capital.

Top National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet

Attend a Performance at the Opera and Ballet Theatre

Experience world-class opera, ballet, or traditional Mongolian performances in this beautifully appointed venue. The theatre showcases both international classics and uniquely Mongolian productions featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Performances often incorporate elements of Mongolian culture, including throat singing and traditional costumes.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from $5-25 USD and can be purchased at the box office or through local tour operators. Book in advance during peak tourist season (June-September). Evening performances typically start at 7 PM, and dress code is smart casual to formal.

Gandan Monastery

Visit Mongolia's most important Buddhist monastery, home to a magnificent 26-meter tall golden Buddha statue. This active monastery offers insight into Mongolia's Buddhist heritage and features beautiful architecture, prayer wheels, and monks conducting daily ceremonies. The complex includes multiple temples and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is around $3 USD, with an additional $5 for photography permits. Visit during morning prayer sessions (8-11 AM) for the most real feel. Guided tours are available for $15-20 USD and provide valuable cultural context.

the National Museum of Mongolia

Discover Mongolia's rich history from prehistoric times through the modern era, with extensive exhibits on the Mongol Empire, traditional nomadic culture, and natural history. The museum houses impressive collections of traditional clothing, weapons, and artifacts that tell the story of this remarkable nation. Special attention is given to Chinggis Khan and the Mongol Empire's global impact.

Booking Tip: Admission is approximately $3 USD with guided tours available for an additional $10-15. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, and English-language tours are offered twice daily. Allow 2-3 hours for a complete visit.

Zaisan Memorial and City Views

Climb the 300 steps to this Soviet-era memorial commemorating fallen soldiers, which offers panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding mountains. The memorial features beautiful murals depicting scenes of friendship between Mongolia and Russia. The sunset views from this vantage point are particularly spectacular.

Booking Tip: Free to visit, though the climb can be challenging at altitude. Best visited in late afternoon for sunset views. Local taxis charge around $5-10 USD for the round trip, or combine with city tour packages for $20-30 USD per person.

Shop at the State Department Store and Local Markets

Browse Mongolia's largest department store for traditional crafts, cashmere products, and souvenirs, then explore nearby local markets for authentic Mongolian goods. The Black Market (Narantuul Market) offers everything from traditional clothing to handmade crafts, though visitors should be prepared for a bustling, authentic market experience. Cashmere products are particularly good value here.

Booking Tip: Bargaining is expected at local markets, and prices can often be reduced by 20-30%. The State Department Store has fixed prices but guaranteed quality. Budget $20-100 USD for quality cashmere items, and always check for authenticity certificates.

Getting There

Chinggis Khaan International Airport, located about 52 kilometers southwest of Ulaanbaatar, serves as Mongolia's primary gateway with connections to major Asian cities including Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, and Moscow. The Trans-Mongolian Railway connects Ulaanbaatar to both Russia and China, offering a scenic overland option that takes about 30 hours from Beijing or 36 hours from Moscow. Airport buses and taxis provide transportation to the city center, with taxis costing around $15-20 USD and buses approximately $2 USD.

Getting Around

Ulaanbaatar's public transportation system includes buses and trolleybuses that cover most areas of the city for less than $1 USD per ride, though they can be crowded and routes may be confusing for visitors. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive, with rides across the city typically costing $3-8 USD, though it's advisable to agree on the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is running. Many attractions in the city center are within walking distance of each other, and guided city tours offer convenient transportation between major sites.

Where to Stay

Sukhbaatar Square area
Peace Avenue district
Zaisan area
Khan-Uul district
Chingeltei district
Bayanzurkh district

Food & Dining

Ulaanbaatar's dining scene offers everything from traditional Mongolian cuisine to international fare, with the city center featuring numerous restaurants serving mutton, beef, and dairy-based dishes that reflect the nomadic heritage. Traditional specialties include buuz (steamed dumplings), khuushuur (fried meat pies), and airag (fermented mare's milk), while modern restaurants offer Korean, Chinese, European, and fusion cuisines. Prices range from $3-5 USD for local meals to $15-25 USD at upscale international restaurants, with many establishments located along Peace Avenue and around Sukhbaatar Square.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar

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

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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)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Ulaanbaatar is during the brief summer months from June to August when temperatures are warmest (15-25°C/59-77°F) and most cultural events take place, including the famous Naadam Festival in July. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer milder weather and fewer crowds, though temperatures can be unpredictable and nights remain cold. Winter visits (November-March) are extremely cold with temperatures dropping to -20°C/-4°F or lower, but offer unique experiences like ice festivals and winter cultural performances, plus significantly lower accommodation costs.

Insider Tips

Learn a few basic Mongolian phrases as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas, and locals greatly appreciate the effort
Always carry cash in Mongolian tugrik as many smaller establishments and markets don't accept credit cards, and ATMs may be limited
Dress in layers even during summer as temperatures can vary dramatically between day and night, and always be prepared for sudden weather changes in this continental climate

Activities in National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet