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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

Things to Do in 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, serves as the cultural and political heart of this vast landlocked nation. Home to nearly half of Mongolia's population, the city sits at an elevation of 1,350 meters in a valley on the Tuul River, surrounded by four sacred mountains. The National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet stands as one of the city's premier cultural institutions, showcasing both traditional Mongolian performances and international classical works in a stunning Soviet-era building that has been beautifully renovated. This dynamic city offers visitors a fascinating blend of ancient nomadic traditions and modern urban life, where traditional gers (yurts) coexist with gleaming skyscrapers, and Buddhist monasteries neighbor bustling markets. Ulaanbaatar serves as the perfect gateway to explore Mongolia's rich cultural heritage, from its famous throat singing and traditional dance to its renowned equestrian culture and the legacy of Genghis Khan.

Top Things to Do in National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet

Attend a Performance at the Opera and Ballet Theatre

Experience world-class opera, ballet, and traditional Mongolian performances in this beautifully restored venue. The theatre regularly hosts productions ranging from classical European works to uniquely Mongolian cultural performances featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling. The building itself is an architectural gem with ornate interiors and excellent acoustics.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from $5-25 USD and can be purchased at the box office or online. Book in advance for popular shows, especially during the winter season (October-April) when the theatre is most active. Dress code is smart casual to formal.

Explore Gandan Monastery

Visit Mongolia's most important Buddhist monastery, home to a magnificent 26-meter tall golden statue of Avalokiteshvara. This active monastery offers insight into Mongolian Buddhism and features beautiful architecture, prayer wheels, and the opportunity to observe monks in their daily practices. The morning prayer ceremonies are particularly moving experiences.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is around $3 USD, with an additional $5 for photography permits. Visit early morning (8-9 AM) to witness prayer ceremonies. Guided tours cost $15-25 and provide valuable cultural context.

Discover Sukhbaatar Square and Government Palace

Explore the heart of Ulaanbaatar at this grand central square, surrounded by important government buildings and featuring a impressive statue of Genghis Khan. The square serves as a focal point for national celebrations and offers excellent people-watching opportunities. The nearby Government Palace houses a museum with artifacts from Mongolia's imperial past.

Booking Tip: The square is free to visit year-round. Government Palace museum tours cost around $8 USD and operate Tuesday-Sunday. Best photography light occurs during golden hour, and winter visits offer dramatic snow-covered scenes.

Experience Traditional Mongolian Cuisine

Immerse yourself in Mongolia's hearty culinary traditions, from mutton-filled buuz (steamed dumplings) to fermented mare's milk (airag) and traditional barbecue. Local restaurants and food tours offer everything from street food experiences to upscale interpretations of nomadic cuisine. Don't miss trying khuushuur (fried meat pies) and milk tea.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from $25-50 USD per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Local restaurants are very affordable ($5-15 per meal). Book cooking classes for $30-40 to learn traditional preparation methods.

Visit the National Museum of Mongolia

Journey through Mongolia's fascinating history from prehistoric times through the Mongol Empire to the present day. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts including traditional costumes, weapons, and exhibits dedicated to Genghis Khan and the great Mongol conquests. Interactive displays bring nomadic culture to life for visitors of all ages.

Booking Tip: Admission is $4 USD for adults, with guided tours available for an additional $10. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 AM-6 PM. Audio guides in multiple languages cost $3 and are highly recommended for context.

Getting There

Chinggis Khaan International Airport, located 52 kilometers southwest of the city center, serves as the main gateway to Ulaanbaatar with connections to major Asian cities including Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, and Moscow. Airport shuttles and taxis provide transportation to the city center, with the journey taking approximately 45-60 minutes. Overland options include the famous Trans-Mongolian Railway, which connects Ulaanbaatar to both Beijing and Moscow, offering a scenic and adventurous approach to reaching the capital. Bus services also operate from neighboring countries, though these journeys can be lengthy and are best suited for adventurous travelers.

Getting Around

Ulaanbaatar's public transportation system consists primarily of buses and shared taxis, though the network can be challenging for first-time visitors to navigate. Taxis are abundant and affordable, with ride-hailing apps like UBCab providing convenient service throughout the city. Many attractions in the city center are within walking distance of each other, making exploration on foot quite feasible during warmer months. For longer stays or day trips outside the city, car rental with a driver is recommended, as traffic rules and road conditions can be unpredictable for foreign drivers.

Where to Stay

Sukhbaatar Square District
Peace Avenue Area
Zaisan Hill District
Seoul Street Vicinity
Khan-Uul District
Bayangol District

Food & Dining

Ulaanbaatar's dining scene ranges from traditional Mongolian cuisine to international options reflecting the city's growing cosmopolitan nature. Traditional restaurants serve hearty nomadic fare including mutton, dairy products, and grain-based dishes, while modern establishments offer Korean, Chinese, European, and fusion cuisines. The city center features both upscale dining venues and casual eateries, with many restaurants located along Peace Avenue and around Sukhbaatar Square. Street food vendors offer authentic local snacks, and several restaurants provide cultural dining experiences complete with traditional music and dance performances.

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

The optimal time to visit Ulaanbaatar is during the summer months from June to August, when temperatures are mild (15-25°C) and the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor activities. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, though temperatures can be quite variable. Winter visits (November-March) provide a unique experience with snow-covered landscapes and active cultural seasons, including peak opera and ballet performances, though temperatures can drop to -30°C. The Naadam Festival in July is particularly special, showcasing traditional Mongolian sports and culture.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange points rather than on the street, and keep some cash handy as many smaller establishments don't accept cards
Learn a few basic Mongolian phrases or download a translation app, as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas and upscale hotels
Dress in layers regardless of season, as Ulaanbaatar's high altitude and continental climate can cause dramatic temperature swings even within a single day

Explore Activities in National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet