Gondar's central sights — the Royal Enclosure, Debre Berhan Selassie church, and the Fasilidas Baths — are all within walking distance of each other and of most hotels. The enclosure is a short walk from the central Piazza; the church is about 1.5km further northeast.
Bajaj (auto-rickshaws) are the standard local transport for getting across town quickly. Fares are cheap by any standard and negotiated before you get in; a ride from the Piazza to the church should cost a few birr.
Taxis (usually blue-and-white minivans) cover longer distances, including the run to Azezo for the airport. Agree the price before departure.
On foot: The city centre is walkable and most hotels place guests within easy reach of the main sights. The streets are hilly — Gondar sits on a ridge — and the going gets steeper as you head toward the church, but nothing is arduous.
For day trips to the Simien Mountains, guides and vehicle hire are arranged through hotels or the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority office. Most visitors hire a 4WD through their hotel; this is the most practical option given road conditions.