Walking tours of all kinds can be found across the city nowadays, yet one particular organisation offers walking tours that help make a difference. Invisible Cities tours are guided by people affected by homelessness, and not only does it serve a great cause, but also makes visitors see the city in a new light.
Invisible Cities is a non-profit organisation operating throughout the UK, including Glasgow. As a social enterprise, its main mission is to showcase that everyone has potential and should be given a chance. Invisible Cities trains people affected by homelessness to become the best guides, giving them space and freedom to design the tours themselves.
On top of training and providing people with jobs, the organisation also does advocacy work to help combat homelessness.
There are three tours available in Glasgow at the moment led by people who know the streets like no one else, as they had to live on them at one point: The People of Glasgow with Angie, Glasgow Riverside Tour and Alternative Glasgow. Each walking tour costs £15 per person, but further donations are always welcome.
The People of Glasgow with Angie tour
The People of Glasgow with Angie tour explores just that – what makes Glasgow special, which is its people. Guide Angie will meet you at The People’s Palace in Glasgow Green, telling stories of the city’s communities, including past and present, as well as delivering contemporary knowledge of the UK’s friendliest city.
Glasgow Riverside tour
The Glasgow Riverside Tour is led by several local guides, uncovering the city’s maritime legacy starting and ending at the SEC (Scottish Event Campus). Expect a lovely walk, stunning riverside views and plenty of stories.
Alternative Glasgow tour
The Alternative Glasgow tour makes Invisible Glasgow visible again. Meet at Glasgow Green and explore Glasgow like never before: learn of the city’s evolution, its last public execution place, as well as the construction process. The tour can be led by a number of different guides, including Angie, Silvana and more.