02 Jan. 2016

The cold descends on the world's coldest capital, and here you are in December, bundled up under your duvet, sunk deep into your couch? We understand—Ulaanbaatar may not have Broadway's glitter, but there's still plenty to do for those brave enough to face the cold and enjoy some pleasant days in the city. Here are some activity ideas to make your evenings and weekends more enjoyable.

1. Sky Resort

The ski resort opens its slopes from mid-November for those looking to escape the city and enjoy the mountain environment. You can get there by taking the free shuttle that runs throughout the day from the city center to the site.

2. Bowling

Looking to spend an evening with friends? Why not try bowling. You'll find three centers: two downtown and another slightly further south. M Bowling is just steps away from Tenghis Cinema, along the axis toward the State Department Store. Perfect if you live downtown. As for the others, there's Big Bowling, located near the Amusement Park, and Bowling Center, on the outskirts of the Mongolian National Amusement Park.

3. Ice Skating Rinks

Naturally, winter calls for winter activities. Lacing up your skates and gliding across the ice is possible at several locations throughout the city. However, the most centrally located and magical is the outdoor ice skating rink on Genghis Khan Square, which typically opens in mid-December. There's also an indoor rink in the new Hunnu shopping center, not far from the airport. If you'd like to go, you can take bus line 11.

4. Dog Sledding

Escaping the city to enjoy snowy landscapes part of your winter plans? Why not dedicate a day to taking the "reins" of a sled pulled by a pack of dogs and gliding through Terelj National Park.

5. Cinema

I personally visit the cinema quite often, not only to enjoy reasonably-priced popcorn, but also because ticket prices are very attractive. Indeed, expect around €4 for a ticket and €2 for a bucket of popcorn. However, unlike back home, film releases are less frequent here.

Ulaanbaatar has 5 cinemas:

- Urgoo 1, in the 4th district

- Urgoo 2, near Genghis Khan Square

- Tenghis Cinema, along the State Department Store axis

- Gegeenten Entertainment Center

- Urnoo Cinema, which is more remote, toward the airport.

6. Museums

The most well-known and visited is the National Museum of History. Accompanied by our guide, you'll retrace the country's history across 3 floors, passing through the main periods that shaped the nation. One floor is dedicated to the yurt and traditional costumes of the various ethnicities that once inhabited the territory. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 09:30 to 17:30

Juulchin Street-1, Ulaanbaatar 210646.

The Bogd Khan Museum and Palace: Bogd Khan was a leader of Mongolia in the early 20th century, and his winter palace was constructed between 1893–1903.

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 09:30 to 17:30

Chinggis Avenue, Ulaanbaatar 210646.

The Zanabazar Museum: This museum showcases artworks from ancient and modern Mongolia, including pieces by Zanabazar (1635–1724).

Plan for an hour and a half for the visit. Opening hours: Weekdays 10:00–17:30

Juulchin Street-6, Ulaanbaatar 210646.

7. Performances

- State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet

This pink-toned building evokes Russian architectural heritage. Built in 1932, this is where operas and ballets take place. A fine lineup of classical masterpieces and many other works throughout the year, featuring artists from Russia, Italy, Korea, Japan, and Australia.

- National Academic Drama Theatre

The theater is just steps away from the central square, at the intersection of Seoul Street and Chingisiin Avenue. Various performances are held throughout the year, including the recent success of Romeo and Juliet. However, the programming is sporadic.

Some performances highlight the history of Chinggis Khaan—a wonderful discovery for those fortunate enough to experience an evening there.

8. Concerts

The UB Palace is the capital's premier venue. This is where Mongolian bands and major international acts perform.

The River Sound Live Music Club also serves as a stage for local bands—the perfect place to discover new talent.

And if you'd like to enjoy more traditional instruments such as the morin khuur or long-form chanting, I invite you to check the program of the Mongolian State Philharmonic.

9. Karaoke

A must-do if you pass through. Without a doubt, your Mongolian friends will take you here to belt out tunes for a good part of the night. Mongolians love to sing, so don't disappoint them. Of course, the repertoire will be predominantly Mongolian, but international songs are also available.

For an hour of lyrical enthusiasm, expect to pay around €10 per room.

10. Sports

When it's cold, you warm up. Here's a range of ideas for active afternoons.

Gyms can be booked to practice or play matches with friends. The two most popular sports in Mongolia are basketball and volleyball—and you'll be amazed to see how skilled Mongolians are at these. You can reserve gym space at universities or Century Plaza for the modest sum of €10–20 per hour.

If you prefer a calmer pace, you can try screen golf at the ski resort complex.

Another sport requiring less physical exertion is billiards. There are many pool halls throughout the city. Usually, you rent the table by the hour.

Finally, if you'd rather just be a spectator, you can always attend sporting competitions, which often take place either at the Buso Sports Complex near the airport or at the Central Palace of Sports.

Charlène Nomadays

SEO content writer from the very beginning at Nomadays, now content manager and head of communications, Charlène has accompanied the adventure from its inception with passion and loyalty. After spending seven years in Asia—from China to Thailand, passing through Mongolia and South Korea—she has made travel a way of being in the world. Passionate about words, nature, and human encounters, she strives to convey in her writing a sensitive, engaged, and responsible vision of tourism. For her, each article is a bridge between curiosity, respect, and wonder.