Nightlife in Ulaanbaatar

Nightlife in Ulaanbaatar is livelier than many visitors expect. An evening can start with a traditional music and dance show, continue in a bar or pub, and end in a nightclub or a private karaoke room, while jazz and live bands play in a handful of venues. Bars and clubs change names and owners often, so treat any venue as something to check locally before you go.

1. Traditional music and dance shows

The best first night out for most travellers is a folk performance. The Tumen Ekh National Song and Dance Ensemble is known for evening shows aimed at visitors, especially in summer, featuring khöömei throat singing, morin khuur (horse-head fiddle), long song, contortion and tsam mask dances. Shows typically last about an hour and start early in the evening. The State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet on Sükhbaatar Square also stages opera, ballet and concerts during its season. Check the current venue, schedule and ticket arrangements with the ensemble, the theatre or your hotel.

2. Bars and pubs

The city centre has a wide range of bars, from Irish-style pubs and sports bars to rooftop bars, cocktail lounges and craft beer places. Seoul Street and the streets around Peace Avenue and Sükhbaatar Square have the densest cluster. Mongolian beer and vodka are good value; imported drinks cost more. Many bars serve food and are relaxed early in the evening, becoming busier after about 10 pm on weekends.

3. Nightclubs

Ulaanbaatar's clubs attract a young crowd and play mostly international and Korean pop, EDM and Mongolian hip-hop, which is hugely popular in the country. Weekends are busiest, with crowds arriving late. Expect a cover charge at some places, a dress code at upscale clubs, and ID checks at the door, so bring a copy of your passport.

4. Karaoke

Karaoke is a favourite night out for Mongolians of all ages. Most karaoke venues rent private rooms by the hour, with a song list that usually includes English, Mongolian, Korean and Russian songs. It is a fun way to spend an evening with a group or a local guide, and is often more relaxed than a club.

5. Jazz and live music

A small but committed live-music scene includes jazz nights, rock and folk-rock bands, and acoustic sets in bars, cafés and hotel lounges. Mongolian bands that blend rock with throat singing and morin khuur have gained international fans, and you may catch similar groups in the city. Look for event listings on venue social media pages or ask at your hotel.

Staying safe at night

• Drink in moderation; alcohol-related fights do happen late at night, especially near clubs.
• Watch your drink and do not accept drinks from strangers.
• Use a ride-hailing app or ask the venue to call a taxi rather than hailing unmarked cars.
• Move away calmly from anyone looking for an argument; do not get drawn in.
• Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket, and carry only the cash you need.
• Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited, and the sale of alcohol can be restricted at certain hours or on certain days; check the current rules locally.

Practical tips

Plan an early cultural show followed by dinner and a bar, which works well for jet-lagged travellers. Winter nights are extremely cold, so dress warmly even for short walks between venues, and agree on a meeting point with your group in case phones run out of battery in the cold.