Entertainment in Ulaanbaatar
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State Opera & Ballet Theatre
Built by the Russians in 1932, the State Opera & Ballet Theatre is the salmon-pinkish building on the southeast corner of Sükhbaatar Sq. On Saturday and Sunday evenings throughout the year, and sometimes also on weekend afternoons in the summer, the theatre holds stirring opera (in Mongolian) and ballet shows.
One of the best local operas is Three Fateful Hills - sometimes known as the Story of Three Lives - by Mongolia's most famous poet and playwright, D Natsagdorj. Another recommended opera is Uran Khas, written by J Chuluun. Other productions include an exhilarating (but long) rendition of Carmen, plus plenty of Puccini and Tchaikovsky.
A board outside the theatre l…
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The Tumen Ekh Song & Dance Ensemble
A performance of traditional music and dance will be one of the highlights of your visit to Mongolia and should not be missed. You'll see outstanding examples of the unique Mongolian throat-singing, known as khöömii; full-scale orchestral renditions of new and old Mongolian music; contortionists guaranteed to make your eyes water; traditional and modern dancing; and recitals featuring the unique horse-head violin, the morin khuur. The Tumen Ekh Song & Dance Ensemble at the State Youth & Children's Theatre is the most popular cultural show in town, featuring traditional singers, dancers and contortionists. It's a great chance to hear khöömii and see some fabulous costu…
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The Khatan Ekh National Song & Dance Group
A performance of traditional music and dance will be one of the highlights of your visit to Mongolia and should not be missed. You'll see outstanding examples of the unique Mongolian throat-singing, known as khöömii; full-scale orchestral renditions of new and old Mongolian music; contortionists guaranteed to make your eyes water; traditional and modern dancing; and recitals featuring the unique horse-head violin, the morin khuur.
The Khatan Ekh National Song & Dance Group at Discovery Mongolia Information Centre is similar to The Tumen Ekh Song & Dance Ensemble at the State Youth & Children's Theatre, which is the most popular cultural show in town, featuring tradition…
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History Club
This restaurant and bar is popular with the locals and hosts traditional Mongolian music acts. The band that usually performs here is Legend, a five-piece group that plays contemporary music with traditional instruments. The band usually performs weekdays at 20:00 but its schedule changes frequently so you'll need to call ahead to find out when it's on. There is also karaoke, dancing and skilfully prepared Mongolian cuisine. Look for the ger sticking out of the side of the building.
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National Academic Drama Theatre
During most of the year, this large, fire-engine-red theatre shows one of a dozen or so Mongolian-language productions. These productions are penned by, among others, William Shakespeare and Jean-Paul Sartre, as well as various Mongolian playwrights. There are only between six and 10 performances every month, and schedules are sporadic. Check show listings in the UB Post. You can buy tickets in advance at the booking office, which is on the right-hand side of the theatre.
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Dublin
With a cosy atmosphere, cream-coloured walls and dark wood finish, Dublin does a fine job of transplanting a bit of Ireland to the steppes. It's a popular expat hangout (especially for miners), but also frequented by young Mongolians. There is plenty of alcohol on tap, as well as Irish coffee and tasty pub grub. With one day's advance notice you can order the leg of lamb, pan-fried in whiskey sauce (for four to six people, around Tug560).
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The Moonstone Song & Dance Ensemble
The Moonstone Song & Dance Ensemble at Tsuki House puts on a Mongolian cabaret. You get the lot: contortionists, throat singers, musicians, tsam mask dancers and an electrifying shaman dance done in contemporary fashion. One drink is included in the price of the ticket and food is available. Tsuki House is the modern glass building next to the Circus (on the north side).
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Level
Chic bar and restaurant that fuses nouveau Japanese décor with bits of England (telephone box) and Mongolia (ancient Buddhist block prints behind glass). All manner of drinks are served, plus a selection of appetizers and main items, including a mixed meat platter for four people. It's in the 1st floor of an orange apartment, behind the Peace & Friendship Building.
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Detroit
This US-inspired bar takes its theme from the Motor City, with photos on the walls of professional sports from Detroit. It has a foosball table and sports teams from Detroit on the TV for homesick Americans. Besides alcohol, you can order burgers, fries and sandwiches. Live music is staged on Friday at 22:00. It's under BD's Mongolian Barbeque.
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View Lounge
In most cities, travellers tend to overlook the restaurants and bars set inside hotels, or only eat at the hotel in which they are staying. Ulaanbaatar, however, has a number of excellent restaurants and bars, privately owned and managed, inside the city's top end hotels. View Lounge is a spectacular roof-top bar in the Corporate Hotel.
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Metropolis
The most stylish place in Ulaanbaatar, Metropolis has a large dance floor and a VIP voyeur terrace. The French-Cambodian DJ plays an eclectic mix of disco, salsa, pop, rock and techno. Monday and Tuesday are reserved for electronica. It's set inside a large vault next to the entrance to the Sky Shopping Mall.
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Tengis Cinema
Three air-conditioned halls, comfortable seats (with cup holders!) and a modern projection system make this theatre a very worthwhile experience. It usually has one or two Hollywood blockbusters (in English, subtitled with Mongolian) and a Korean or Mongolian film.
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Mongolian National Song & Dance Ensemble
The Mongolian National Song & Dance Ensemble puts on performances for tourists throughout the summer in the National Academic Drama Theatre. Shows are less frequently staged at the Palace of Culture (321 444) on the northeast corner of Sükhbaatar Sq.
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State Circus
In the recognisable round building with the blue roof at the end of Tserendorjiin Gudamj. There are usually a variety of acts including acrobatics and juggling, and extraordinary contortionists, but it was closed for renovations at the time of research.
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Ismuss
The centrepiece of this multilevel club is a 7m-tall statue of Joseph Stalin, which once stood in front of the National Library. Even if you are not into nightclubs this slice of retro Soviet chic is a must-see.
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Oasis
Oasis attracts a mixed crowd of expats, travellers and Mongolians. There is an outdoor patio area where you can order food off the grill. It's tucked off Seoul St behind a supermarket.
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Crystal Lounge
The stunning white-on-white décor and bubbling water in the walls makes for a mystifying experience, like stepping into a scene of 2001: A Space Odyssey.Cocktails only.
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Silence
Multilevel dance club with blood-red lights igniting the bar and waiters that can't keep track of your tab. The place gets going after 01:00 and the DJ plays mainly trance music.
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Zouq
Egyptian-themed disco with a catwalk dance floor, voyeur terrace and lots of bizarrely-shaped furniture. It's opposite the Square, next to the Greenland tent.
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Discovery Mongolia Information Centre
Sells maps and books and provides general tourist info. Also is home to The Khatan Ekh National Song & Dance Group.
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Hollywood
Throbbing nightclub with DJ and elevated dance floor, just past Dashchoilon Khiid. Friday carries a cover charge.
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Muse
One of the top nightclubs for the yuppie crowd, it's located just north of the Zaluuchuud Hotel.
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Face Club
The Face Club is a lively little place with a Tahitian theme. It has live bands and DJs.
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Greenland
Oktoberfest-style tent, opposite Sükhbaatar Sq. It's open in summer only.
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UB Club
Grungy student club with mismatched furniture, foosball, billiards and darts.
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