Timeline
09:57
Walk into the Natural History Museum just as it opens. The centerpiece is the complete fossil of a Tarbosaurus bataar, a T. Rex cousin that was famously stolen by an American archaeologist and auctioned in New York for $1 million before being returned to Mongolia. Explore the collection in the quiet morning hours before the crowds arrive.
12:27
Grab a coffee and a sandwich at Nayra Cafe. It is a short walk from the museum and opens early at 08:00, making it a reliable stop for a light lunch before the sun begins to drop.
15:55
Head to the National Amusement Park. This steel-framed park has been open since 1969 and features a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, and a castle surrounded by an artificial lake. The wide open spaces here offer a clear view of the western horizon.
16:35
Sit down at Millie's Espresso near the park. Order an American-style coffee or a vegetarian snack. The cafe is open until 20:00, so you have plenty of time to settle in before the sky changes color.
17:26
Watch the sunset. On this date, the sun sets toward the WSW at 17:26. The golden light starts about 51 minutes before, casting a warm glow over the amusement park’s steel structures and the artificial lake.
Local tip
The museum is closed on Mondays. Check the route for transport between the museum and the amusement park, as they are on different sides of the city center.
Check before you go
- Natural History Museum: Tue–Sun 10:00-18:00 (closed Mon)
- Nayra Cafe: opens 08:00
- Millie's Espresso: 08:00-20:00
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Ulaanbaatar (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).