Romance in Real Life: Ulaanbaatar

Photo source: https://brideandbreakfast.hk/memories-of-mongolia/

19. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

When I imagine myself in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, my heart begins to wander across vast landscapes before my feet even touch the ground. As a hopeless romantic, I picture standing at Sukhbaatar Square, the city’s grand heart, where historic monuments meet the pulse of modern life, imagining quiet moments shared as the sun casts golden light across the square. Each statue and building seem to whisper stories of devotion and longing, and I can’t help but dream of tracing those stories with someone close.

I dream of exploring the Gandan Monastery, its golden rooftops glinting in the sunlight, where the rhythmic spin of prayer wheels feels like a heartbeat, slow and steady, echoing through the soul. I imagine sitting on the steps with a loved one, absorbing the serenity of the courtyards and watching monks move gracefully through their rituals, a quiet kind of intimacy that feels eternal.

In my daydreams, romance stretches far beyond the city streets. I picture wandering the ornate halls and serene gardens of Bogd Khan Palace Museum, marvelling at the intricate art and architecture, imagining whispered conversations beneath the carved wooden arches. Later, I envision riding out to the rolling Mongolian steppes together, where the endless horizon meets the sky. There, I would watch the sun sink slowly with someone by my side, the vast silence between us as profound and tender as the landscape itself.

The romance continues in places like Zaisan Memorial, where the city unfolds beneath you and the view of Ulaanbaatar at sunset feels cinematic. I imagine sharing that panorama, the glow of the city lights reflecting in someone’s eyes, the moment suspended in time. Naran Tuul Market (Black Market) adds a livelier kind of intimacy, with its lantern-lit stalls, the scent of spices, and the vibrant chatter filling the air; a place to discover treasures and small joys together, laughing over simple delights.

Evenings could be spent at a cozy rooftop café near the city centre, watching Chinggis Square shimmer below, or wandering through the leafy paths of National Botanical Garden, where soft lighting and the scent of flowers make every step feel romantic. And for a magical escape, a visit to Terelj National Park would be a dream, where dramatic rock formations, wildflowers, and serene rivers create a world where love feels boundless and infinite.

In Ulaanbaatar, romance is expansive yet intimate, adventurous yet tender. From ancient monasteries and historic palaces to golden sunsets over the steppes and quiet riverside strolls, the city and its surroundings seem designed for hearts that wander and linger. To a hopeless romantic like me, Ulaanbaatar isn’t just a place - it’s an invitation to feel deeply, explore boldly, and discover love in every corner of a world both timeless and alive.