In Manchester they've started doing an open top bus tour (If the weather is alright you can go and see the different areas and have a walk about Salford Quays, University area etc). We have City bikes now, you can download the app, it's called 'mobike'. They're really easy to use and a cheap/nice way to see the City centre. I'd definitely recommend the Christmas markets and there is a nice pub round the corner that Lowry used to drink in - they do nice, reasonably priced pub grub, if your missus is into her Art, there is a bronze statue of him at the bar which she might find cool. It's called Sam's Chop House.
Northern Quarter is great for a walk around. Comedy Store on Deansgate was brilliant when I went. Piccadily and market street is infested with spice zombies nowadays so I'd skip them and maybe head to the Printworks. I love the museum of science and industry. Deansgate looks brilliant, especially with the new skyscrapers they're building. If there is a Football game on whilst you're hear try and go.
I've only been to Edinburgh as a tourist once... I went to a place called 'Camera Obscura & World of illusions' - seriously, it's brilliant!! Think it was £20 each and you get 6/7 floors of different illusions, photo opportunities, virtual reality stuff and then the top floor, they do a 'tour of Edinburgh'... Only go if it's a clear day, but it's a really, really good attraction IMO. Right on the Royal Mile as well so you don't have to go far to get there. I didn't enjoy Arthurs seat when I went, but it wasn't the clearest day so couldn't see much. They have a cool zoo on the side of a mountain, you get brilliant views over the valley below. Sterling is worth the 20/30 minute train journey.
