nytraveler

Well if you have never been to Copenhagen then perhaps you'renot aware of the popular areas there that are mobbed with tourists (Nyhaven, Tivoli, some parts of the Stroget)?

PalenQ

Late May is unlikely to see any mass tourism in either place - a perfect time to go.

PalenQ

I loved Prague but for a longer stay I would rather be in Copenhagen where there are many neat short day trips to take to really neat places and lots in the city itself - plus everyone it seems speaks good English - not so in Prague - you can't go wrong but many here seem to slight Copenhagen - a really neat place.

bvlenci

Having been to both Prague and Copenhagen, I would choose Copenhagen. Prague is very beautiful, but it's a bit overrun with tourists at most times of the year. Copenhagen is charming, and there are lots of nice day trips you can take, although you may not have time for any. Copenhagen may be more expensive than Prague, but I visited the two countries in different decades, so I can't really say much about that.

NyTraveler leaves the impression that Copenhagen was largely destroyed during World War II. I'd like to correct that impression. The country suffered a rather brutal occupation by the Nazis, but no one bombed the city.

The bigger question for me is whether your three days includes the travel day from Brussels or Amsterdam, and also whether it includes the day you're leaving. If you really have only two full days in whichever city you choose to visit, I would suggest rethinking going so far away. Your six days in the Netherlands and Belgium add up to a very hasty visit. I would suggest perhaps visiting some other parts of the Netherlands. There are lots of charming cities and little towns there. Or maybe a few days along the Rhine in Germany.

Odin

I've never seen Copenhagen mobbed by tourists either, especially not in May. The current exchange rate makes Denmark less expensive than usual, if it continues then it's a good time to go if it's on your list.

HappyTrvlr

There are inexpensive flights from AMS to CPH, a xity that pairs well with Amsterdam. I liked both Copenhagen and Prague but sadly crowds in Prague were a turn off.

PalenQ

copenhagen may draw almost as many tourists as Prague - I don't know - but Copenhagen is much more spread out in the tourists areas than Prague where everything of major interest is in a tight grouping and thus Castle Hill is swarmed with tourists though much of the city center is not.

laurie23

Thanks all for the advice! Want to update and ask for further advice before I book flights tonight. I am leaning towards Prague based on much of this incredible advice.
First- Iooking at the itinerary, it did seem to make sense after all to fly to BRU first, spend 2 nights in Bruges and then go onto Amsterdam. However, I have the option of two good flights into either AMS or BRU. In either case I'd be arriving early in the morning and have 9 nights so it feels like its all doable -- that said- am now contemplating adding an extra night so as to not feel too too rushed.
So- notwithstanding Christina's advice about there being easier flights perhaps to Prague from Amsterdam than Brussels, given my three city itinerary (Amsterdam/Bruges/Prague) in the best of all worlds, and again, I realize this is subjective - would you recommend Amsterdam first then Bruges or Bruges to Amsterdam?? In the scheme of things - I feel so fortunate to be planning this, I know its relatively insignificant but as a Netherlands/Belgium newbie- your opinion as always is appreciated!

laurie23

Thank you all for your help! Just booked our trip and added one additional night for a total of 10 nights. Thanks to your great advice we are flying in to BRU and out of PRG,
I'm sure I'll be back with so many more questions-- you guys rock!

PalenQ

in the best of all worlds, and again, I realize this is subjective - would you recommend Amsterdam first then Bruges or Bruges to Amsterdam??>

Well if landing in Brussels it would be best to head straight from airport to Bruges - then go by train via Antwerp to Amsterdam. Otherwise if you go to Amsterdam first you'll have to come right back to Belgium - OK if you are flying to Prauge from Brussels I guess but there may be more flight options from Amsterdam.

Guenmai

"Odin on Aug 7, 15 at 2:59pm
I've never seen Copenhagen mobbed by tourists either, especially not in May. The current exchange rate makes Denmark less expensive than usual, if it continues then it's a good time to go if it's on your list."

Haven't been to Prague, so can't comment there. Lived in Copenhagen for 20 years of summers and have also been in the spring and once in the winter. I was just there last month, renting an apartment, and yes, the exchange rate was quite good. Plus, Copenhagen is a really charming city and very easy for tourists. The metro system is great and the buses and S-Trains (S-Tog) run quite on schedule. There are also nice day trips that one can take from Copenhagen, like to Helsingør.

Happy Travels!

laurie23

Thanks so very much everyone-
This was a difficult decision but I am confident that there was no"wrong" way to go and am very excited.
Emorata thanks so much for the incredible photos and links.

I turn to serious planning now and will start a new thread for your extraordinary help throughout
Gratitude!

bilboburgler

I've been to both. Prague will be mobbed but May may be early enough to make it reasonable. Copenhagen is nothing like as attractive, from a tourist point of view, as Prague, but far more relaxed.

Seems an odd combo.

Brussels is more like Copenhagen ish.

There are more intesting cities than these 3.

Look at London, Paris, York, Strasbourg, Hanover, Mulhouse, Reims, Venice, Budapest, Venice, Siena, Florence, Barcelona, Seville, Cordoba gosh they go on and on and you just get on a cheapo flight and there you are.

asafemre

I have been both cities (Copenhagen many times). I would choose Prague. 3 days is enough to see Prague and some places near to the city center. It is the my favorite city in Europe. you'll find history, many attractions, romance and a lot of people (mostly students) around the world.