With an 8 yr old I’d definitely do Copenhagen so you can do Tivoli (and the Little Mermaid statue is probably going to be more popular than the Nights Watch?)

Bump/ I’m debating these 2 cities as well with my 8 year old but we will be there in late September.

Haven’t been to Amsterdam in a long time but went to Copenhagen last summer and loved it.

So my vote is Copenhagen - it’s a fun, easy city to navigate. For a day trip, take the train to Kronborg Castle (inspo for Hamlet’s Castle).

I've been to both multiple times and I'd pick Copenhagen

Amsterdam has more to do if you’re staying for a week in a single city with no day trips.

I'd have to give Amsterdam the edge in museums (a pretty big edge). Copenhagen isn't really a museum town although there are museums you can see, but none will blow you away. the Rijksmuseum is world famous for a reason.

On the whole I like Copenhagen better, it's prettier and still retains a strongly Danish vibe and we find the food more enjoyable. It's not cheap, however. But it was a relaxing and enjoyable place for a few days. But you probably find more things to do in Amsterdam. Keep in mind parts of it is pretty gritty and tacky-touristy, but the canals are great fun and renting a bicycle and cycling all over the place is highly enjoyable. Have dutch apple cake at Cafe Winkel. Do day trips to Leiden. Maybe try to spend a day at a beach somewhere.

Both are great and would be decent with kids. Copenhagen, you could do Tivoli gardens.
Amsterdam, you can rent a boat in the canals.

PP here and the small village with the windmills is Zaanse Schans. We took a City bus there. Volendam is a cute sea side town that is easy to get to on the train. Edam is also very close also.

Amsterdam. I think there’s a lot more to do in the city. Some great day trips also.
Only downside is how crowded it will
Be during the summer months.

We always do a bike tour, said he has a fascinating history. There are three or four world, renowned art museums. There is an easy bus ride to a park that has multiple windmills. It is a bit of a tourist trap but interesting to see the variations and differ uses.

Copenhagen!

I love Copenhagen in August. Amsterdam is my second favorite city in Europe (after Paris). So it's hard for me to say.

This might be a tie-breaker -- Copenhagen has this thing called a Copenhagen card that allows you to travel around not just the city but the entire region plus gets you admission to most museums and tourist attractions. Including, if you are interested, the Louisiana museum a little north of the city (easy day trip by train) which is wonderful. Since you are only going for 5 days, this would greatly simplify your trip and also keep costs down. Also another easy day trip from Copenhagen is Malmo, Sweden, which is also a short train ride and has a slightly different vibe.

But Amsterdam is truly wonderful, and really great for city wandering, the sort of shopping you describe, and great cafe culture (might give the food in Copenhagen overall a slight edge if you like inventive/experimental cuisine -- check out the Michelin guides for both cities but Copenhagen is better known for its cuisine).

Sorry if this didn't help you decide. Either one is a great getaway for what you describe! Personally I'd try to fly direct. Check SAS, sometimes they have very affordably priced tickets, especially if you are traveling someone light.

I wouldn’t worry about those connections— a huge amount of Play’s business (and KEF’s for that matter) is to give people connecting flights to Europe and the airport is designed around that idea.

I think I would pick Copenhagen but I don’t know if I could say exactly why. Amsterdam felt a little over-touristed while Copenhagen felt like an interesting city to visit/live but then also we had better weather in Copenhagen so maybe that is biasing me. In either city you’ll have time for day trips so that would be another way to pick.

Re Play, we nearly missed our connection. They held it for a little bit it was really tight.

Forgot to add: please share your favorite sights/experiences from either city. Thanks!

DH and I are looking to travel to one of these two cities for a week in early August. It would be 5 nights there after 2 days spent in transit. This would be a much awaited getaway from young children. For those who have been to both recently, which is better for a trip of this duration? Which is more expensive (lodging and food)? Has better weather?

We are planning to take it easy on this trip, and enjoy urban biking/walking, good coffee and food, and antique/vintage shopping. Interested in a couple of art museums here and there but that would not be the focus of the trip.

On a related note, there are a lot of indirect flights on Play to either city with a 1 or 1.5 hour layover in KEF. For those who are familiar with these routes, is that short of a layover risky in case of delays on the first leg of the trip?

Thanks for your recommendations!