On foot
IaÅi is a rather large, densely packed town. You can walk from one end to another in a few hours. For the curious visitor, walking is the best way to get around.
By taxi
Taxis are quite popular in IaÅi, and have recently switched to yellow universally. In IaÅi, locals sometimes take the taxi which they find most appealing, not necessarily the first in line, so if you really like some brand of car, you can opt to take that one. This practice is becoming less common, however.
By Maxi-Taxi
Maxi taxis go pretty much everywhere you could go on public transportation. They are privately operated, smaller, usually white micro-buses. They have their endpoint destination written on a paper at the front and they follow a usual route. They do not accept foreign currency, and don't expect the maxi-taxi drivers to speak English well enough to tell you where to get off; you could write your destination on a piece of paper, point and ask.
By Bus And Tram
These methods of transportation were traditionally very important for getting around IaÅi, especially during the communist period and afterwards, before cars became commonplace. Public transportation is quite frequent and works from around 5a.m. to about 11p.m. However, during weekends and public holidays, their frequency decreases.
A ticket costs 1.9 RON, although you can buy a two-trip ticket 3.6 RON or daily passes. You can buy these from ticket offices in stops, but bear in mind that in minor stops these offices close around 5-6 p.m. Ticket machines have been recently installed throughout the city, also having an English interface.
There is a special tram that goes up and down Copou hill. It is reconditioned classical tram and it's a different style from the normal trams, resembling the San Francisco ones somewhat. In Iasi there aren't trolley busses anymore, like in Bucharest or in other cities in Romania.
The main reason to go in public transportation is to witness regular people going about their business. Everyone goes on the public transportation. This is a good place to see beggars performing. If you're on a bus, it's fairly likely that some group of little kids will get on and start singing. They are usually gypsies singing traditional Romanian songs, and some of them are rather gifted. They want you to give them money, of course. Also, look out for displays of faith. Romania is one of the most religious countries in Europe, and when passing a church or monastery you may see several passengers, from old women to teenagers in sneaks, doing the sign of the cross.
Old town of IaÅi is quite small, however. You could use the public transport to go around, but most of the interesting parts of the city are in the center, so walking is preferable. You need the bus only if you want to see stuff out of traditional center or because your accommodation is there.