Attractions Guide

Ulaanbaatar is a compelling fusion of traditional gers—an integral part of nomadic culture—and modern buildings with cutting-edge architectural design. The founding Sukhbaatar district is the historical heart of the city, home to museums, monuments, and commercial centers.

The Imperial Palace, Buddhist monasteries, museums, and natural domains surrounding the capital will not be the reason to pass through but to stay and observe the culture of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. — National Geographic traveler

Gandantegchilen Monastery

The largest and most significant monastery in Mongolia sits within a ger district. Its Megjidjanaisag (Avalokitesvara) temple guides visitors from afar, and the monastery houses the world’s tallest indoor statue at 26.5 meters high. Highlights include the wish tree, the largest library, and religious schools that introduce Buddhism in Mongolia. The site is included in city tour packages led by a professional guide who majored in Buddhism.

Choijin Lama Temple Museum

Built from 1904 to 1908, this museum is considered the finest temple museum in Mongolia for its architecture, paintings, sculptures, and color. Though converted from religious use 60 years ago, it remains one of the few intact examples of Chinese-Mongolian temple architecture and was included in the World Monuments Fund 2020 World Monuments Watch.

The Fine Art Zanabazar

Founded in 1996 and named after Gombodorjiin Zanabazar in 1995, the museum holds nearly 16,600 objects across 12 galleries covering art from ancient civilizations to the early 20th century. It displays works by Mongolian masters of the 18th–20th centuries, coral masks, thangkas, and B. Sharav’s famous paintings A Day in Mongolia and Airag fearst.

Winter Palace of Bogd Khan

Constructed between 1893 and 1903, this palace was the residence of Mongolia’s eighth Living Buddha and last king, Jebtzun Damba Hutagt VII (Bogd Khan), for 20 years. The grounds contain six temples preserving Buddhist sculptures and thangkas.

Zaisan Hill Memorial

A popular viewpoint overlooking the city, yurt districts, and cranes altering the skyline, the memorial features a 10-meter statue of a Russian soldier holding a flag and a circular mural. It commemorates those killed in WWII between Russia and Germany and Mongolia and Japan, and the peace that followed.

Sukhbaatar Square

In July 1921, Damdin Sukhbaatar declared Mongolia’s final independence from China at this central square, which now bears his name and features a bronze equestrian statue. The square was briefly renamed Chinggis Khaan Square in 2013 before the original name was restored in 2016.

Performing Arts and Folklore

The State Academic Drama Theater and the State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet stage Mongolian and world classics, while the State Philharmonic, founded in 1957, includes a symphony orchestra, the Bayan Mongol band, and a horse-head fiddle ensemble. The Mongolian National Grand Theatre presents folk concerts featuring long songs, throat singing, biyelgee dance, and contortion, and the Morin Khuur Ensemble has performed in renowned international venues.