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Sukhbaatar Square, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Things to Do in Sukhbaatar Square

Sukhbaatar Square

Sukhbaatar Square, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Complete Travel Guide

Sukhbaatar Square, located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital city, serves as the country's most significant political and cultural center. Named after Damdin Sükhbaatar, the revolutionary hero who declared Mongolia's independence, this grand square is surrounded by important government buildings including the Government Palace, featuring a massive statue of Genghis Khan, and serves as the focal point for national celebrations and gatherings. Ulaanbaatar, meaning 'Red Hero' in Mongolian, is a fascinating blend of ancient nomadic traditions and rapid modernization. The city sits at an elevation of 1,350 meters in a valley on the Tuul River, surrounded by four sacred mountains. As Mongolia's largest city and home to nearly half the country's population, it offers visitors a unique gateway to explore Mongolian culture, from traditional gers (yurts) scattered throughout the city to modern shopping centers and restaurants serving both traditional Mongolian cuisine and international fare.

Top Sukhbaatar Square

Traditional Mongolian Monasteries and Temples

Visit the magnificent Gandan Monastery, one of Mongolia's most important Buddhist centers, where you can witness monks in prayer and see the impressive 26-meter tall golden Buddha statue. The monastery complex offers insight into Mongolia's deep Buddhist heritage and survived the communist purges of the 1930s. Early morning visits provide the most real feel as monks conduct their daily prayers.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are typically $3-5 USD, and guided tours cost around $15-25. Visit between 9-11 AM for morning prayers, and photography inside temples usually requires an additional fee of $2-3.

Traditional Mongolian Nomadic Culture

Take a day trip to nearby ger camps to experience authentic nomadic lifestyle, including traditional games, horseback riding, and learning about felt-making and dairy production. Many camps offer opportunities to stay overnight in traditional gers and participate in daily herding activities. This provides an immersive introduction to the lifestyle that has defined Mongolia for centuries.

Booking Tip: Day trips range from $40-80 per person including transport and meals, while overnight experiences cost $60-120. Book through reputable operators who work directly with nomadic families, and spring through early autumn offers the best weather.

Mongolian History at National Museums

Visit the National Museum of Mongolia to explore the country's rich history from prehistoric times through the present, including extensive exhibits on the Mongol Empire and Genghis Khan. The museum houses impressive collections of traditional costumes, weapons, and artifacts that tell the story of nomadic civilization. The Natural History Museum also offers fascinating displays of dinosaur fossils found in the Gobi Desert.

Booking Tip: Museum entry fees are $3-5 USD, with audio guides available for $5-8. Most museums are closed on Mondays, and English-speaking guides can be arranged for $20-30 for 2-3 hours.

Sample Traditional Mongolian Cuisine

start a culinary journey to taste authentic Mongolian dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings), khuushuur (fried meat pastries), and traditional dairy products like airag (fermented mare's milk). Local restaurants and food tours offer opportunities to learn about the nomadic diet and cooking methods. Many establishments also serve modern interpretations of traditional dishes alongside international cuisine.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost $25-45 per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Traditional restaurants offer meals for $8-15, while upscale dining ranges $20-35. Winter months feature heartier traditional fare.

Shop at Local Markets and Craft Centers

Explore the State Department Store and Narantuul Market (Black Market) for traditional Mongolian crafts, cashmere products, and souvenirs. These bustling markets offer everything from handmade felt items and traditional boots to precious stones and antiques. The experience provides insight into daily Mongolian life and opportunities to purchase authentic local products directly from artisans.

Booking Tip: Bargaining is expected at markets, start at 50% of asking price. Cashmere items range from $30-200 depending on quality. Visit markets in the morning for best selection, and keep valuables secure in crowded areas.

Getting There

Chinggis Khaan International Airport, located about 52 kilometers southwest of Ulaanbaatar, serves as the main gateway to Mongolia 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 shuttles and taxis provide transport to the city center, taking approximately 45-60 minutes, while the train station is conveniently located in the city center.

Getting Around

Ulaanbaatar's public transportation consists primarily of buses and shared taxis, though the system can be challenging for visitors due to limited English signage. Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive, with rides across the city typically costing $3-8 USD, though it's advisable to agree on fares beforehand or ensure meters are used. Many visitors opt for organized tours or hire private drivers for day trips, which provides more flexibility and eliminates language barriers while exploring the city and surrounding areas.

Where to Stay

Sukhbaatar Square Area
Peace Avenue District
Khan-Uul District
Bayangol District
Chingeltei District
Songinokhairkhan District

Food & Dining

Ulaanbaatar's dining scene ranges from traditional Mongolian restaurants serving hearty meat-based dishes to international cuisine reflecting the city's growing cosmopolitan character. Traditional eateries offer real feels with dishes like mutton barbecue and dairy-based specialties, while modern restaurants serve Korean, Chinese, European, and fusion cuisine. The city center around Sukhbaatar Square and Peace Avenue features the highest concentration of restaurants, from casual local joints costing $5-10 per meal to upscale establishments charging $20-40 for dinner, with many venues offering both traditional Mongolian hospitality and international standards of service.

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 late spring through early autumn (May to September) when temperatures are mild and most comfortable for sightseeing, ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F) during the day. Summer months of June through August offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, perfect for outdoor activities and day trips to the countryside, though this is also peak tourist season. Winter visits (November to March) can be extremely cold with temperatures dropping to -30°C (-22°F), but offer unique experiences like winter festivals and fewer crowds, plus the chance to see the city blanketed in snow with clear, crisp air providing excellent visibility of the surrounding mountains.

Insider Tips

Learn basic Mongolian greetings as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas, and locals greatly appreciate the effort
Carry cash (Mongolian Tugrik) as many local establishments don't accept credit cards, and ATMs are primarily located in the city center
Dress in layers and bring warm clothing even in summer as temperatures can drop significantly at night due to the high altitude and continental climate

Activities in Sukhbaatar Square