Stockholm or Copenhagen?

I preferred Stockholm. Nothing wrong with Copenhagen, but Stockholm was both beautiful (especially looking across the water after dark) and with great museums and neighborhoods. The archipelago is amazing, too if you can get out on the water. Takes three busy days to see a lot of it. 4-5 would be better.

I too prefer Stockholm. It is a more scenic city and I just love exploring the Gamla Stan and museums. 3-4 days is good for Stockholm.

I'll give the opposing view. I chose Copenhagen primarily because of the convenience of the flights. I was able to fly direct into Copenhagen on SAS from Dulles, but would have had a connection (adding a couple of hours to our travel time each way plus a higher price) if I had chosen Stockholm. Copenhagen had plenty to do in the 72 hours before our cruise and another 72 hours post-cruise. If anything, I wish we had more time to see the available sights and nearby daytrips. From Tivoli, to the Stroget, to Nyhaven, Copenhagen seemed more lively. Easy daytrips to Kronberg and Roskilde, among others, also make it a good choice. Stockholm was nice, and I'm sure we could have filled our time there too. Having been to both, I think we made the right choice.

Recently returned from a trip that involved a week stay in each of these cities. Either would be fine, but if I had to choose I'd go with Stockholm. One thing we did in both cities was get a multi-day transportation pass, and take trains out to the end of various lines. It's a nice way to get out and see places outside the city.

Hello Larry. I was at Stockholm and Copenhagen, in May of 2007. I recommend going to Copenhagen. Stockholm looks pleasant, and travelers like being at Stockholm because central Stockholm is small, people can walk across it. Going to the museums in Stockholm is easy, riding in a bus, or walking. Copenhagen looks very European, and its Rosenborg palace (built in the early 1600s) is certainly different than anything I saw in the United States of America. Copenhagen has old world charm. In my humble opinion, neither Stockholm or Copenhagen has great museums or great art galleries. When I was at Stockholm I carried the book "Rick Steves' SCANDINAVIA". I walked through a route in the Medieval streets of the island Gamla Stan that is described, with a small map, in that book. I think walking through Gamla Stan was a waste of time. The only words I can think of for describing Gamla Stan is : it has narrow streets. And, from my experience, Copenhagen is a better city for talking with Scandinavian people. Stockholm seemed formal and stressful, with not much of a variety of Swedish people. I recommend being at Copenhagen two whole days.

Full disclosure: I am a second-generation Dane. So I vote for Copenhagen! Very unbiased, eh? :D Ron noted a "more formal and stressful" feeling in Stockhom. IMHO, that may be because Swedes tend to be a little more formal and a little less outgoing and relaxed than Danes. (We're the upbeat Scandinavians!) Stockhom is gorgeous, no doubt about it. The scenery is delightful - all the water is very pretty. The city is gracious. The people are very nice. English is spoken everywhere. But if you add extra travel time (as noted by Brad) to the slightly stiffer Swedishness of Stockholm, and compare it to shorter travel times and the sort of relaxed, bouncy coziness of Copenhagen, I think the latter city comes up a winner. Don't know when you are traveling, but if Tivoli is open, I recommend it highly. It sometimes gets a knock or two on this board, but I woudn't miss it if I were going to have 3 days in Copenhagen. Also highly recommended - Rosenborg Castle, Freetown Christiania, hanging out in Nyhaven (touristy, but somehow not in a really bad way), and Ida Davidsen. Where yes, you probably do need a reservation! Last I heard they were closed.... will be re-opening late November. I like the smørrebrød with liver pate, bacon, and tomatoes. Also the crayfish tails with dill mayo. Also the gorgonzola, egg yolk, and rum (I kid you not). For nightlife, try the Drop Inn - cheap beer, friendly regulars, fun! I also like The Globe, which is actually an Irish bar. Many ex-pats, and they've got rugby and soccer on tv. Also chicken wings! Hah!

I like both cities, but Stockholm is my favorite by far. The setting is stunning, and I think Gamla Stan is charming a wonderful place to stroll. I liked the museums in Copenhagen slightly better, but the city is nowhere near as beautiful as Stockholm.

I agree with Carroll - I loved both cities. However, Stockholm is definitely my favorite. It is totally beautiful.