Irkutsk is a relatively compact city in the historical center and traffic congestion is not bad for a city of nearly 600,000. It is a very walkable city within the center, and for those who want to save time or travel between one side of the river and the other, the public transit system is good. Knowing at least how to read the signs on the buses and bus stops is helpful, and on the minibuses, one must call out to the driver to request a stop. Oddly enough, the names of major bus stops are posted on kiosk roofs parallel to the road so that the names are not often visible from inside the bus. Bus and minibus "marshrutka" fare is usually 12 Rubles. Local etiquitte is to pay the driver when exiting the bus and trolley therefore you can exit it only thru the front door. In trams tickets should be purchased from driver, then stamped in the machine onboard.
Tourist Information
The tourist information office very friendly and useful is located in the Europe House, 21 F. Engels St. If you can find it open!