Close Attractions
Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum is one of the city’s most celebrated cultural institutions and a must-visit for anyone interested in science, history and world culture. Spread over several floors, the museum presents an impressive collection of artefacts ranging from ancient Egyptian mummies to natural history displays featuring wildlife, fossils and geological specimens. Families are particularly well catered for with interactive exhibits and engaging storytelling that help bring history to life for young visitors as well as adults. The museum’s galleries are thoughtfully curated to encourage curiosity and exploration, making it easy to spend several hours wandering through different civilisations and eras.
The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, talks and live demonstrations, offering fresh reasons to return throughout the year. Its location close to the university area adds to the atmosphere, as students, academics and tourists blend together to enjoy an educational and cultural experience. Visitors staying at Hotel 346 benefit from convenient access to the museum, making it a popular option for those who want to base themselves near Manchester’s major attractions while enjoying great value and comfortable accommodation.
Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum showcases Manchester’s remarkable role in shaping the modern industrial world. Housed in historic former railway buildings, the museum is dedicated to innovation, transport, textiles, computing and energy, reflecting Manchester’s heritage as the birthplace of industry and science-led progress. The galleries feature working steam engines, vintage aircraft, interactive science zones and exhibitions on textiles and engineering, helping visitors trace the city’s journey from industrial powerhouse to modern scientific hub. The museum successfully balances history with hands-on interaction, making it ideal for families, school groups and adults with an interest in technology and invention.
The museum also highlights the social impact of industrialisation, exploring how factories, inventions and technological breakthroughs changed everyday life across Britain and beyond. Special events and temporary exhibitions frequently enhance the experience, offering insight into contemporary scientific topics alongside historic achievements. Its central location means that visitors can easily pair a museum visit with food, shopping or further sightseeing in the city. Hotel 346 provides convenient accommodation for travellers wishing to explore the museum and other cultural sites, offering comfort and value with quick access to public transport and Manchester’s most popular attractions.
Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery is a refined and enriching space that brings together classic art, contemporary works and design pieces under one roof. With an impressive collection spanning centuries, the gallery features European paintings, Pre-Raphaelite masterpieces, sculpture, decorative arts and modern installations that challenge and inspire. The layout encourages slow exploration and contemplation, allowing the building to reveal its treasures room by room. Alongside the permanent collections, rotating exhibitions introduce new perspectives and highlight emerging artists, ensuring that frequent visitors continually discover something fresh.
The gallery is more than a traditional art institution, as it also plays a role in the community through educational programmes, creative workshops and family-friendly activities. Quiet reflection areas and the calming architecture make it a popular retreat from the city’s busy shopping and entertainment districts. Located in central Manchester, the gallery is easy to reach and fits neatly into a cultural day out that may include theatres, restaurants or nearby museums. Guests staying at Hotel 346 appreciate how close the property is to key cultural landmarks such as Manchester Art Gallery, making it simple to combine art appreciation with comfortable accommodation and excellent value during a city break.
The University Quarter and Whitworth Art Gallery
Manchester’s University Quarter offers a lively and intellectual atmosphere that blends academic life with public culture. Historic buildings, contemporary teaching facilities and attractive outdoor spaces fill the district, creating a lively area filled with students, researchers and visitors. One of the district’s highlights is Whitworth Art Gallery, a remarkable venue that merges art and nature. The gallery curates a mixture of historic works, textiles, contemporary art and innovative installations, and its design incorporates large windows that overlook the surrounding parkland, giving visitors a refreshing sense of openness.
The galleries rotate exhibitions frequently and host events, performances and family workshops that ensure the gallery remains relevant and engaging. The adjoining Whitworth Park offers a tranquil area for strolling, picnics and photography, creating an attractive combination of indoor culture and outdoor relaxation. The University Quarter overall is a stimulating part of Manchester for travellers who appreciate architecture, culture and academic history. Hotel 346 provides convenient accommodation within reach of this district, offering a practical and comfortable base for guests who want to explore the university area, Whitworth Art Gallery and other major cultural sites during their stay in Manchester.
Manchester Town Hall and Albert Square
Manchester Town Hall is an architectural jewel and one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Built in Victorian Gothic Revival style, the building features richly decorated interiors, grand staircases, clock towers and intricately carved stonework that reflect the city’s wealth and importance during the Industrial Revolution. Although access to certain areas may vary due to restoration works or special events, the exterior alone is worth visiting for its imposing presence. Surrounding the Town Hall is Albert Square, a civic space that frequently hosts seasonal markets, cultural festivals, public gatherings and community celebrations.
Visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere throughout the year, whether exploring food stalls at Christmas, attending music events or simply relaxing with a coffee while taking in the scenery. The square is a convenient meeting point for visitors heading to nearby shops, theatres and museums, and it serves as a gateway to some of Manchester’s most attractive historic streets. Accommodation such as Hotel 346 allows travellers to stay within easy reach of Albert Square and the Town Hall, making sightseeing straightforward and enjoyable, especially for those who value comfort, convenience and affordability during their Manchester visit.
Etihad Stadium and Sporting Quarter
Manchester is internationally recognised for its sporting culture, and the Etihad Stadium stands as one of the city’s major sporting and entertainment landmarks. Home to Manchester City Football Club, the stadium draws fans from across the world who come to experience live matches, take part in guided tours or simply admire the scale of the venue. Stadium tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at changing rooms, press areas and the pitchside environment, helping visitors gain a deeper appreciation of the club’s history and sporting achievements. Beyond football, the stadium hosts concerts, events and performances that contribute to the vibrant cultural calendar of the city.
The wider sporting quarter features training facilities, fan zones and public spaces that reflect modern sporting development and regeneration projects, illustrating how sport plays a significant role in Manchester’s identity. The area is easily accessible via public transport and well connected to the rest of the city. Travellers staying at Hotel 346 benefit from convenient connections to the Etihad Stadium and other sporting landmarks, making it a practical choice for football enthusiasts, eventgoers and visitors seeking to combine leisure activities with comfortable accommodation during their stay in Manchester.
