Shopping in Ulaanbaatar ranges from modern malls and Mongolian cashmere stores to large local markets and small souvenir shops. Whether you want high-quality cashmere, traditional gifts, international brands, groceries, or everyday Mongolian products, most of the country's best shopping choices are concentrated in the capital. The best place depends on what you want to buy. Central malls such as State Department Store and Galleria are convenient for travelers, Shangri-La Mall is better for international brands, while Narantuul Market offers a completely different local shopping experience.

For first-time visitors, the State Department Store, Galleria Ulaanbaatar, and Shangri-La Mall are the easiest shopping centers to reach in central Ulaanbaatar. Galleria is particularly convenient for Mongolian cashmere and souvenirs, while Shangri-La offers a larger selection of international fashion and lifestyle brands.

For a more local experience, visit Narantuul Market. Travelers specifically looking for cashmere can also visit GOBI's Galleria store or its larger factory store in Khan-Uul District.

Ulaanbaatar has changed significantly from the days when most visitors did their shopping at one department store.

Today, the city has modern shopping centers for international fashion, Mongolian brands, restaurants, entertainment, groceries, and gifts.

These are some of the most useful options for travelers.

The State Department Store, known locally as Ulsyn Ikh Delguur, is one of Ulaanbaatar's best-known shopping landmarks.

It is located directly on Peace Avenue in the central city, making it easy to visit while exploring downtown Ulaanbaatar.

The building contains several floors of retail, including clothing, Mongolian products, electronics, food, and other everyday goods. Nomin, which operates the store, currently lists both a department store and hypermarket at the location.

For travelers, its biggest advantage is convenience.

You can look for:

If you have only a short amount of free time in central UB, this is one of the easiest places to start.

Galleria Ulaanbaatar is directly beside Sukhbaatar Square, making it one of the most convenient shopping centers for tourists staying in the city center.

The mall includes shops, restaurants, and services and remains active in 2026. Its official site lists shopping and dining facilities in the building.

Galleria is particularly useful for travelers looking for Mongolian cashmere because it contains a large GOBI Cashmere store.

GOBI's official store information confirms its Galleria branch beside Government House in central Ulaanbaatar.

Choose Galleria if you want:

It works especially well at the end of a city tour when you want to shop without making a separate journey across Ulaanbaatar.

Shangri-La Mall is one of Ulaanbaatar's modern premium shopping centers.

The official Shangri-La Centre website describes a mall of approximately 27,000 square metres with international mid-range, premium, and luxury brands under one roof.

Its current brand directory includes categories such as:

This is the better choice if you want international shopping rather than primarily Mongolian souvenirs.

It is also useful during bad weather because you can shop, eat, and spend several hours indoors without moving between different buildings.

Hunnu Mall is a large shopping and entertainment complex in the Yarmag area, away from the old central shopping district.

Ulaanbaatar's official tourism website describes it as a large-scale shopping and service complex of around 50,000 square metres.

Because it is outside the immediate Sukhbaatar Square area, most short-stay tourists do not need to travel there only to buy souvenirs.

However, it can be a useful choice for:

If you are staying in central UB for only one or two days, State Department Store, Galleria, or Shangri-La will usually be more convenient.

Ulaanbaatar Department Store is another modern shopping option along Peace Avenue.

Do not confuse it with the older State Department Store. They are separate shopping centers.

It offers fashion, beauty, lifestyle products, food options, and other everyday shopping in a central location.

For most international travelers, it is more useful as a convenient place to browse while already walking through central Ulaanbaatar than as a destination requiring a special trip.

Naadam Center is located south of the traditional city center in Khan-Uul District.

It includes retail and a Nomin Hypermarket, making it useful for residents and travelers staying in this part of Ulaanbaatar. Nomin's current store directory confirms its hypermarket location inside Naadam Center.

It is particularly practical if you need:

Travelers preparing to leave Ulaanbaatar for the countryside may find a hypermarket more useful than another souvenir shop.

If you do not know which shopping center to choose, use this quick guide:

You do not need to visit all of them.

For most travelers, one central mall plus one specialist shopping experience is enough.

Narantuul is Ulaanbaatar's best-known large market and is often called the Black Market in English.

The name can sound suspicious to visitors, but it is a normal commercial market where Mongolians shop for clothing, household goods, traditional items, tools, riding equipment, and many other products.

Narantuul is much less polished than a shopping mall.

That is also what makes it interesting.

You may find:

Prices may be lower than in central tourist shops, although quality varies considerably.

Keep your phone and wallet secure in crowded areas, carry only what you need, and compare products before buying.

Market opening arrangements can change, so check locally before making a special trip.

Choose according to the experience you want.

If you enjoy markets, Narantuul can be one of the most memorable shopping experiences in Ulaanbaatar.

If you simply need reliable gifts before your flight, a central mall is easier.

Cashmere is one of the products most strongly associated with shopping in Mongolia.

Rather than buying the first item labeled “cashmere” from an unknown stall, travelers looking for quality and clear labeling may prefer established Mongolian manufacturers.

GOBI Cashmere

GOBI is one of Mongolia's best-known cashmere companies and has operated since 1981.

Its current Ulaanbaatar locations include:

The Galleria branch is easiest for central-city visitors.

The factory store offers a wider dedicated cashmere-shopping experience if you have enough time to travel there.

Other Mongolian Cashmere Brands

Ulaanbaatar also has other established Mongolian cashmere manufacturers and retailers.

When comparing cashmere:

If cashmere is your main shopping goal, allow time to compare several items rather than buying in a hurry on the way to the airport.

For convenient souvenir shopping, start around central Ulaanbaatar.

Useful areas include:

Common gifts include small felt products, wool goods, leather items, artwork, traditional accessories, puzzles, cashmere scarves, and locally designed products.

For a detailed guide to what to buy, see Discover Mongolia's separate “What to Buy in Mongolia” article. That page covers individual souvenir ideas, while this guide focuses on where to find them.

Ulaanbaatar has galleries, museum shops, handicraft stores, and independent artists selling Mongolian artwork.

You may find:

Art quality and price vary enormously.

If you are buying something expensive, ask who created it and whether the seller can provide information about the artist.

Museum shops can be an easier starting point for travelers unfamiliar with Mongolian art.

The area around Gandantegchinlen Monastery has shops selling Buddhist and religious items.

You may see:

Remember that many objects sold here have religious meaning and are not simply decorative tourist products.

If you do not understand an object's purpose, ask before buying.

Shopping in Ulaanbaatar is not only about souvenirs.

Before leaving for the countryside, many travelers need practical supplies.

Large supermarkets and hypermarkets are useful for:

Nomin operates supermarkets and hypermarkets throughout Ulaanbaatar, including State Department Store and Naadam Center.

If you are joining an organized Mongolia tour, ask your guide whether food and water are already included before buying too much.

If your free time is limited, do not cross the entire city chasing different shops.

If You Are Near Sukhbaatar Square

Go to Galleria Ulaanbaatar.

It is convenient for cashmere, souvenirs, and restaurants without leaving the main sightseeing area.

If You Are Around Peace Avenue

Go to the State Department Store.

It gives you several categories of shopping in one building.

If You Want International Brands

Go to Shangri-La Mall.

If You Mainly Want Cashmere

Visit Galleria for convenience or the GOBI Factory Store if you have more time.

If You Want a Local Market

Visit Narantuul, but allow more time for transport and browsing.

A simple shopping plan can save a lot of time in Ulaanbaatar.

The best shopping strategy is usually to decide what you want before choosing the store.

Yes. GOBI opened a branch at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in 2025.

The company says the airport store offers cashmere products including sweaters, scarves, and hats and promotes tax-free airport shopping.

This is useful for last-minute purchases.

However, shopping earlier in Ulaanbaatar gives you more time to compare styles, sizes, and stores.

Do not leave an important cashmere purchase until the airport unless you have to.

Major shopping centers, supermarkets, hotels, and established brand stores generally provide electronic payment options.

A local market can be less predictable, so having some Mongolian tögrög available is useful.

Do not depend entirely on one payment method.

When shopping, it is sensible to carry:

Keep cards and cash in a secure pocket or bag when visiting crowded markets.

Bargaining depends on where you shop.

In modern malls, department stores, supermarkets, and branded cashmere shops, prices are normally fixed.

At markets and some small stalls, there may be more room to negotiate.

A useful rule is:

Do not turn bargaining into an argument over a very small amount.

Cashmere prices can vary significantly.

Before buying:

Established Mongolian manufacturers also provide specific care instructions for their products.

Shopping culture in modern Ulaanbaatar is generally straightforward.

A few simple habits help:

You do not need to understand Mongolian to shop in major city malls, although translation apps can be useful in smaller markets.

For simple souvenirs, one to two hours in a central mall may be enough.

For serious cashmere shopping, allow at least half a day if you want to compare manufacturers and visit a factory store.

Narantuul can also take several hours because it is large and browsing is part of the experience.

Remember that Ulaanbaatar traffic can make moving between shopping areas slower than the distances on a map suggest.

It is usually better to shop in one area thoroughly than spend half your free afternoon sitting in traffic.

If you want a balanced shopping day, try this:

Morning — Central Ulaanbaatar

Start around Sukhbaatar Square.

Visit Galleria for cashmere and gifts, then walk through the central city.

Lunch — City Center

Have lunch near Sukhbaatar Square or Shangri-La.

Afternoon — Choose One Main Shopping Experience

Pick either:

Use a central supermarket for road-trip supplies or the airport for any final small purchases.

This approach gives you variety without spending the whole day traveling between shops.

Discover Mongolia has organized tailor-made travel since 2004, and our local team can help travelers plan shopping time around sightseeing, airport transfers, and longer journeys into the countryside.

What is the best shopping mall in Ulaanbaatar for tourists?

The State Department Store is one of the best all-round choices because it is central and offers several types of shopping in one building. Galleria is especially convenient for travelers who want cashmere and souvenirs beside Sukhbaatar Square.

Where can I buy cashmere in Ulaanbaatar?

GOBI has stores at Galleria Ulaanbaatar and its larger factory location in Khan-Uul District. Other Mongolian cashmere brands also have stores throughout the capital, so travelers can compare styles and prices before buying.

Where can I buy souvenirs in Ulaanbaatar?

Central choices include the State Department Store, Galleria Ulaanbaatar, museum shops, and specialist handicraft stores. Narantuul Market is another option if you want a larger and more local market experience.

Is Narantuul Market worth visiting?

Yes, Narantuul is worth visiting if you enjoy busy local markets and want to see where Mongolians shop for everyday and traditional goods. Keep valuables secure and allow more time than you would for a normal shopping mall.

Is Shangri-La Mall good for shopping?

Yes, Shangri-La Mall is one of the better choices for international fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and premium brands in Ulaanbaatar. Its official directory lists a wide range of retail categories.

Can I buy Mongolian cashmere at the airport?

Yes, GOBI currently operates a cashmere store at Chinggis Khaan International Airport. It is convenient for last-minute shopping, although stores in Ulaanbaatar provide more time to compare products.

Should I use cash or a card when shopping in Mongolia?

Cards and electronic payments are useful in major malls, supermarkets, and established stores, while cash can still be useful at markets and smaller sellers. Carrying both gives you more flexibility.

Can I bargain when shopping in Ulaanbaatar?

Yes, bargaining may be possible at some market stalls and independent sellers, but prices are normally fixed in shopping malls, supermarkets, and branded stores. Always negotiate politely rather than assuming every price is flexible.

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