Naran Tuul Market

Naran Tuul Market — widely known to visitors as the "Black Market" — is Ulaanbaatar's largest and most famous open-air market, on the eastern side of the Mongolian capital. Despite the nickname, it is a legitimate, sprawling marketplace where Mongolians come to buy almost anything: traditional clothing and boots, saddles and horse tack, ger components, household goods, second-hand items, electronics, and a colourful array of crafts and souvenirs. For travellers it is the single best place in the country to pick up genuine Mongolian gear and to experience the bustle of everyday commerce.

The market is a maze of stalls, lanes and covered sections, busy and crowded, especially at weekends. It is the go-to place for authentic items used by herders and city-dwellers alike — del coats, felt boots, traditional belts and hats, leather goods and the practical equipment of nomadic life — sold at prices well below tourist boutiques. The trade-off for the bargains is the crowd: Naran Tuul is also known for pickpockets, so it demands a sensible, alert approach.

The market sits in the eastern part of Ulaanbaatar, a short ride from the city centre. Ulaanbaatar's climate is sharply continental — summer (June–August) is the most comfortable time to browse the largely open-air stalls, while winter shopping means bundling up against severe cold. The market is generally busiest at weekends; visiting on a weekday morning is calmer.

By Plane

Ulaanbaatar is served by Chinggis Khaan International Airport (IATA: UBN), roughly 50 km south of the city. Transfer to the centre is by taxi, hotel transfer or airport shuttle bus, taking around an hour or more depending on traffic. From central Ulaanbaatar the market is a short taxi ride to the east.

By Train

Ulaanbaatar Railway Station, on the Trans-Mongolian line, links the capital with domestic destinations and with international services towards Russia and China. The station is a short taxi ride from the market.

By Car / Road

Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia's road hub, connected to provincial centres by paved highways and rougher routes; long-distance buses arrive at the city terminals. Within the city the market is easily reached by car or taxi via the eastern districts; expect heavy traffic and crowds nearby, especially at weekends.

The market itself is explored entirely on foot, winding through its lanes and covered sections — wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for crowds. To reach Naran Tuul from elsewhere in the city, the bus network has low flat fares paid by transit card, and taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used and convenient. Agree fares or use app pricing before riding. Inside the market, keep bags zipped and to the front, carry only what you need, and stay alert for pickpockets.

• Traditional clothing and del coats — Stalls of Mongolian dress, including the del, hats, belts and felt boots.

• Saddlery and horse tack — Saddles, bridles and herding equipment, a vivid window onto Mongolia's pastoral culture.

• Ger components — Wooden frames, felt and the fittings used to build and furnish a traditional ger.

• Crafts and souvenirs — Carvings, paintings, jewellery, cashmere and assorted Mongolian souvenirs.

• Second-hand and household goods — Everyday clothing, electronics and household items used by locals.

• Shop for authentic Mongolian goods — The market's main purpose: hunt for genuine clothing, boots, tack and crafts at local prices.

• Bargain — Haggling is expected; negotiate politely and walk away if a price is too high.

• Soak up the atmosphere — Even without buying, the scale and energy of Naran Tuul are an experience in themselves.

• Combine with central sights — Pair a market visit with central Ulaanbaatar's museums and Sükhbaatar Square.

Simple food stalls and small eateries within and around the market sell quick, cheap Mongolian fare — buuz (steamed mutton dumplings), khuushuur (fried meat pastries), noodle dishes and tea — convenient for a break from shopping. For a wider choice of restaurants, head back towards central Ulaanbaatar.

• Budget — Market food stalls and nearby guanz serve cheap, filling Mongolian plates.
• Mid-range — Central Ulaanbaatar, a short ride away, offers a wide spread of Mongolian and international restaurants and cafés.
• Upscale — Hotel restaurants and finer dining in the central district provide smarter Mongolian and international menus.

Vegetarian options at the market are very limited, as the food is meat-centred; central Ulaanbaatar has more variety, including vegetarian and international places.

Stalls around the market sell tea — including suutei tsai, the salty Mongolian milk tea — soft drinks and water. For cafés and bars, central Ulaanbaatar a short ride away has plenty of choice, including good coffee and Mongolian beers and vodka. Tap water in Ulaanbaatar is best avoided for drinking; stick to bottled or boiled water, and carry water while shopping.

There is no accommodation at the market. Most visitors stay in central Ulaanbaatar, a short ride away, which offers the city's full range of lodging.

• Budget: Numerous hostels and guesthouses in central Ulaanbaatar with dorm beds and basic private rooms.
• Mid-range: A good selection of mid-range hotels in the central districts, offering comfortable rooms and breakfast.
• Upscale / heritage: International and upscale hotels in central Ulaanbaatar provide the city's highest comfort and service.

Naran Tuul is the buying destination. It is the best place in Ulaanbaatar for traditional Mongolian clothing — del coats, felt boots, hats and belts — as well as saddlery, leather goods, cashmere, carvings and souvenirs, generally cheaper than central boutiques. Bargaining is the norm: ask the price, counter-offer, and be ready to walk away. Bring cash in small denominations, as card payment is unreliable among stallholders, and keep money secure. For fixed-price shopping, the State Department Store near Sükhbaatar Square is the alternative.

• Sükhbaatar Square (within Ulaanbaatar) — The capital's central plaza, monuments and civic buildings.
• National Museum of Mongolia (within Ulaanbaatar) — The country's flagship history museum.
• Gandantegchinlen Monastery (within Ulaanbaatar) — The capital's largest active Buddhist monastery.
• Zaisan Memorial (within Ulaanbaatar) — A hilltop monument with panoramic city views.
• Terelj National Park (~60–70 km) — Dramatic rock formations and ger camps, a popular day or overnight trip.