Djibouti City is compact enough to walk in the cooler parts of the day. The city centre — the European Quarter, the Central Market, the waterfront — can be covered on foot in an hour or two, though the heat will limit how long you want to stay outdoors.
Taxis: Shared taxis (taxi-brousse) circulate on fixed routes and are the main form of public transport. Private taxis are available and can be hired by the hour for touring the city or reaching the airport. Agree on the fare before getting in; drivers rarely use meters. Rates are high by regional standards.
Car hire: Several agencies operate from the airport and in the city. A 4WD is necessary for the road to Lake Assal and essential for reaching Lac Abbé. Hiring a car with a driver is strongly recommended for day trips into the desert — getting lost or breaking down in Djiboutian terrain without local assistance is a serious situation.
On foot: The city centre is walkable in the early morning and evening. Midday walking in summer is actively dangerous; even in the cooler months it's uncomfortable. Carry water and wear a hat.
Boat: The ferry terminal on the waterfront handles services to Moucha and Maskali Islands (popular day trips for snorkelling) and to Tadjoura and Obock across the Gulf.
Apps and ride-hailing: Uber and similar services do not operate. Local taxi apps may exist but the network is not reliable for visitors. Your hotel can usually arrange transport.