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Best Free Things to Do in Mongolia

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Mongolia

Best Free Things to Do in Mongolia

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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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29 results sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

What travelers are saying

  • Blake
    Chicago, IL161 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sukhbaatar Square, located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city. The square is spacious, clean, and offers a sense of openness amidst the urban environment. It’s steeped in history and is surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Parliament House, the State Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the National Museum of Mongolia.

    The square features a central statue of Damdin Sukhbaatar, a revolutionary hero, making it an excellent spot for history enthusiasts. Additionally, the nearby restaurants, cafes, and shops provide plenty of options for dining and entertainment, ensuring there’s always something to do in the area.

    Sukhbaatar Square also serves as a cultural hub, often hosting festivals, concerts, and public events, making it a lively place to visit. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just people-watching, the square offers a vibrant experience that encapsulates the spirit of Ulaanbaatar.
    Written December 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • susantaylormd
    New Orleans, LA102 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The mall is clean and very nice. The sushi restaurant is good. The cashmere shop is very nice also. Easy access to the main square also
    Written July 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zimminaroundtheworld
    Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,982 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited Zaisan Memorial while on a tour. It is further from the city center so a mode of transportation is a must. Once here, you have to walk up many stairs to get to the memorial. It's very soviet but I found it to be interesting because I've never seen anything quite like it. I like to keep an open mind. Outside of the memorial, it's a great place to get views of Ulaanbaatar. Maybe one of the best and most accessible viewing areas. It is an effort to get here but worth it.
    Written November 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • stepstra
    New Orleans, LA55 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amarbayasgalant Monastery is serene and lovely, well worth the difficult (bumpy 5+ hour drive from UB) to get there. As we drove the last 35 kilometers (see photo of sign), the Three Dog Night song “The Road to Shambala” kept reverberating in my brain. After we passed through countless herds of cattle, goats, and sheep on the road, the monastery suddenly appeared like a shimmering vision tucked away in a hidden valley. The monastery is the real thing in a truly magical setting, not the glitz and glamor one sees, for example, in Kyoto.

    Because it was the end of the season, I was the only visitor and the monks seemed genuinely happy to have me explore the expansive grounds and striking buildings. Also, I and my driver were the only people staying at the IF Tour ger camp located right next to the monastery. The two Mongolian ladies who ran the ger camp were absolutely lovely. Their food is fresh off the farm, and so they cooked me two of the best meals I had in Mongolia. Their homemade bread is to die for. And to add to the dreamlike setting, the next morning I woke up to a light snowfall. “Wash away my troubles, wash away my pain, with the [snow] in Shambala.” Truly a highlight of my visit to Mongolia.
    Written October 13, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nomado Steppe
    Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tsagaan Suvarga, nestled in the Southeast of Ulziit soum, near the main road to the Gobi, is truly a gem worth exploring. This geological wonder in Dundgovi province, Mongolia, carved by erosion, continues a 400-meter-long slope rising 80 to 100 meters high. The area surrounding White stupa was once the bed of an ancient ocean, offering visitors a glimpse into its intriguing geological formations, stunning cliffs, and
    surreal landscapes. It's an experience that feels on Venus rather than Earth.

    Here are a few suggestions:⁠
    -Nice view during sunrise and sunset
    -No available internal flights⁠⁠, trains, only you can take a local bus or mini tour car
    - Avoid plastic bottled water & carry a reusable bottle. ⁠
    - Better to conduct through research in advance
    -Zero waste
    -Don't forget to try local cuisines
    -Bring sunglasses, wind or water proof jacket
    -Bring suitable shoes
    Written March 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • E.L.E
    Brno, Czech Republic19,025 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Iconic department store across the State one. Looks beautiful inside looking up. Ideal to spend like an hour doing some shopping
    Written February 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • E.L.E
    Brno, Czech Republic19,025 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Big statue of Marco Polo on one of the main avenues. Interesting to see the connection between Mongolia and him. Worth taking a quick picture
    Written February 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PlanesTrainsEverything
    Paisley, UK98 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The station isn't handy for the city centre, but being a spread out city, most areas will require a walk or a taxi. The inside of the station was organised chaos and very busy, but it was a fascinating example of life here.
    Written November 15, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kai Wah
    Malaysia3,814 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were told by our tour guide that this is the Mongolia version of Grand Canyon. It is very beautiful rock formation and it took us at least 6 hours or more from Ulaanbaatar to reach here. The road to this sight can be very bumpy, but many amazing views along the journey where cattle, horses, camel, etc can be seen along the road trip. An amazing nature in Mongolia!
    Written November 26, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mikenmaurya
    Greater Sydney, Australia36 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Easy place for a good photo op. In January they also have a number of ice sculptures. Recommend a walk around.
    Written January 13, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TravelAngler725
    Seoul, South Korea333 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another highlight of my week long Gobi desert tour, this was an area that frankly reminded me a lot of the American Southwest. I lived in Nevada for a year shortly before going abroad and Khermen Tsav reminded me so much of Red Rock Canyon, except in complete natural peace and not defaced by graffiti. The incredible sandstone hills march in indefinitely. They never seem to end!
    Written August 17, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bold-Erdene
    Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia374 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the place you could buy Post cards and Stamps.
    Of course you could send Post cards from there.
    I don't know to sending parcel might be expensive to some people.
    In there some ATMs and Cellular phone service there. Also Tour Agent is there recently.
    Plus Souvenir Shop is there with good value.
    Written June 15, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • geelongexpat
    Melbourne, Australia1,270 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a very interesting monastery with them being in a ger. Other than that it is your usual Buddhist temple. It’s free to wander around.
    Written February 15, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • El S
    Singapore, Singapore140 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ethically sourced items (accessories, keychains, cards, scarves, bags, throws) made by ethnic Kazakh and Mongolian artisans.

    Recommend shopping for souvenirs here instead of at the State Department Store.
    Written December 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dnaleciz
    Moreno Valley, CA405 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wandering around Ulaanbaatar in the cold, I stumbled upon this very beautiful white building called the Holy Trinity Church. The Holy Trinity Church is a Russian Orthodox church situated on Zhukova street, 55 - a, in Bayanzurkh District. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This Church is the only Russian Orthodox Church in Ulaanbaatar. It is built in the Cross-in-square Russian Revival Style of architectural buildings. Large windows and gold dome and roof are several of the outstanding features displayed by this church. This particular church can trace it roots back to the 1860 and over the years has seen numerous changes. On 22 March 1864 the first priest offered a religious service. This date is considered the beginning of the Holy Trinity parish of Russian Orthodox Church in Mongolia. The church lost it priest in 1867 and the facility was closed. The original Church building was demolished during the 1930s. In 1991 the Russian Orthodox Church was reestablished and the present day building was begun. Construction began in 2005 and lasted until 2009. I had the opportunity to meet one of the priest at this Church and was allowed to visit the interior of the church. Beautiful interior decorated with religious icons and frescos. Extremely peaceful and and solemn. The Holy Trinity Orthodox Church holds services on Saturday and Sunday. It is not a must visit site, but if you are in the area, I would recommend a visit.
    Written December 7, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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