Visit two of Denmark’s popular cities, Copenhagen and Esbjerg, this spring to see two admired sculptures and a variety of museums.

In the capital city of Copenhagen, families should visit Tivoli Gardens, a popular amusement park in the center of the city. The park dates to 1844 and offers 32 restaurants, amusement rides, pantomimes and concerts.

Stop at the tourist information center across from Tivoli and look into buying a CPHCard that provides access to more than 60 museums and attractions, transportation and restaurant discounts, along with a guide to attractions, according to the visitcopenhagen.com Web site.

The guide recommends several places, among them the city’s most popular attraction, the frequently photographed "Little Mermaid" statue.

The city’s National Museum provides a comprehensive look at Denmark’s history while the National Gallery holds a large collection of sculptures, drawings, and Danish and international paintings.

At noon, stop by the royal couple’s winter residence, Amalienborg Palace, to watch the changing of the guard.

For shopping, head to Copenhagen’s Stogert, the country’s major shopping street full of stores and street performers.

After a long day of walking, take a leisurely boat tour of the old canals, passing by many of the city’s famous sites.

Denmark’s fifth-largest city, Esbjerg, offers a captivating harbor. The Fisheries and Maritime Museum, with a large outdoor exhibit, illustrates the history of fishing and shipping. The museum also contains a saltwater aquarium, sealarium and live-mink complex. Horns Rev, a former lightship, is now a floating museum showcasing the lives of sailors.

Across from the aquarium stands the 30-foot "Man Meets the Sea" sculpture, which commemorates the town’s 100-year anniversary as a municipality.

Esbjerg’s Clausen’s Water Tower is built on a Bronze Age burial mound above the harbor and presents a great view of the city below. And the Esbjerg Art Museum is said to house the country’s finest collection of local works.

Looking for a deal or a meal? Stroll Konensgade, a large pedestrian street lined with shopping malls, specialized boutiques, markets, cafes and restaurants. Try the bakskuld — a fish similar to flounder — salted and smoked in Danish butter. And don’t forget to try a seasonal favorite — green cabbage.

— Heather Klinglesmith, compiled from travel Web sites

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