From Fotografiska to Liseberg: A Destination Photographer's Guide to Stockholm and Gothenburg
I didn't go to Sweden with a shot list, I went with my best friend Kati, a loose itinerary, and the kind of open energy that comes from finally taking a trip you've been putting off. Three days in Stockholm, three days in Gothenburg; and somewhere between a photography museum that shifted something in me and a hotel with a slide in the lobby, Sweden quietly became one of my favourite places I've ever pointed a camera.
This is part travel guide, part personal essay, and entirely honest. If you're a photographer planning a trip to Sweden, or a couple or solo traveller looking for somewhere genuinely worth visiting; I hope it helps.
Stockholm: Where the Trip Actually Started
Fotografiska: The Museum That Changed How I Think About Photography
If you're a photographer visiting Stockholm and you only do one thing, make it Fotografiska. Housed in a stunning early 1900s Art Nouveau building on the waterfront at Stadsgårdshamnen, it's one of the most important contemporary photography museums in the world and one of the most genuinely inspiring places I've ever been.
When I visited, the exhibition showing was White Nights in Wonderland by Chinese photographer Feng Li, a body of work spanning twenty years of street and fashion photography that completely stopped me in my tracks. Feng Li's images are vivid, surreal, full of flash and colour and the absurdity of everyday life. They're not perfect in the traditional sense. They're alive.
Bergianska Trädgården: The Botanical Garden by the Lake
Just outside the city centre, near Stockholm University, sits Bergianska Trädgården: the Bergius Botanic Garden. Over 9,000 plant species set along the shores of Brunnsviken lake, with the kind of quiet that's hard to find in a capital city.
As someone who loves nature photography, this was a gift. The lakeside paths and open garden areas are beautiful in late summer when everything is still green and full; the kind of lush, unhurried setting that makes you slow down and actually look at things.
Kati isn't usually someone who's comfortable in front of a camera. But on holiday she's more relaxed, more herself, and the botanical garden brought that out completely. Some of my favourite portraits from the whole trip happened almost accidentally here, in between me photographing the lake and the gardens. That's always how the best images work.
The outdoor areas are free to enter and definately worth a few hours of your time.
Gothenburg: The City That Surprised Me Most
I'll say it plainly: Gothenburg is underrated. Most people fly into Stockholm and never make it further west, and I genuinely think they're missing the better half of the trip.
Gothenburg has a different energy to Stockholm. Quieter, more relaxed, with a warmth and approachability that made me want to stay longer than three days. The architecture is beautiful, the canals are lovely, and there's a whimsical quality to the whole city that I wasn't expecting. It felt like somewhere that hadn't been over-photographed yet, which as a photographer is one of the most exciting things a place can be.
Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel: trust me, book it
I need to talk about this hotel.
Liseberg Grand Curiosa is attached to Liseberg, the most visited amusement park in the Nordic region, but don't let that put you off. The hotel itself is extraordinary. Nine floors, star-shaped, with a design inspired by the exotic travels of the Swedish East India Company. The lobby alone is worth the visit, filled with curiosities, enormous decorated vases, hanging bird cages, and a slide (yes, A SLIDE) that winds down from the second floor straight into the ground level.
Walking in for the first time I genuinely didn't know where to look. As a photographer, a place like this is a dream; every corner has something going on, every room has texture and detail, and the staff are beautifully dressed in uniforms that look like they belong in a Wes Anderson film. I spent a significant amount of our stay just exploring and photographing the hotel itself.
And here's the thing, it wasn't expensive. For everything it offers, the price was genuinely reasonable. It's the kind of place that looks like it should cost a fortune and doesn't, which makes it even better.
Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel, Gothenburg. Book directly through Liseberg's website.
The Botanical Garden: Gothenburg's whimsical spot
Gothenburg's botanical garden gave me some of my best shots of the whole trip, and some of the most unexpected ones.
The garden is lush, generous in scale and genuinely beautiful. The greenhouse here was extraordinary; the kind of warm, green, otherworldly interior that wraps around you the moment you step in. But honestly, the outdoor garden was just as captivating. Dotted throughout are beautiful sculptures and statues that stop you in your tracks, and there's a little quest running through the garden to find a tiny hidden fairy statue; which sounds simple but is genuinely one of the most charming and whimsical ways I've experienced a garden. It made the whole visit feel like an adventure rather than a walk.
This garden also did something unexpected for me creatively. Still life photography isn't usually my thing, I'm drawn to people and movement and candid moments. But something about the statues, the flowers, the light falling through the leaves pushed me in that direction and I loved the results. It's the kind of place that quietly expands what you think you shoot.
For portrait and couples photography it's exceptional; the variety of settings within a single space means you can move through completely different backdrops within minutes. If you're visiting Gothenburg with someone you want to photograph, this is the location I'd recommend first.
The Thrift Stores: Genuinely Some of the Best I've Found Anywhere
This might seem like an odd thing to include in a photography blog, but bear with me.
Gothenburg's thrift stores are exceptional. I thrifted some of my favourite pieces of clothing on this trip, the kind of finds that just don't happen as easily at home. There's something about Scandinavian second-hand culture that produces incredible results: well-made things, properly sorted, at fair prices.
For a photographer or content creator, great thrifted pieces mean better shoots. The right outfit in the right location changes everything and Gothenburg will give you both.
What Gothenburg Feels Like: And Why You Should Go
The atmosphere in Gothenburg is hard to fully describe but I'll try. It's wholesome in the most genuine sense of the word. The people are warm and welcoming, the city moves at a pace that lets you actually experience it, and there's a creativity and quirkiness running through it that shows up everywhere from the hotel design to the street art to the vintage shops.
It's a city that rewards slow travel. Don't rush it.
Sweden as a Destination Photography Location
As a destination photographer, Sweden offers something genuinely distinctive. The light in late summer is remarkable; long days, soft evenings, a quality of afternoon light that lingers for hours. The natural environments are extraordinary for portrait and couples photography: botanical gardens, lakesides, woodland paths, dramatic coastline further afield.
Both Stockholm and Gothenburg have architectural variety that gives you real options as a photographer; from the ornate and historic to the clean-lined Scandinavian modern. And because neither city is oversaturated with photographers the way that Paris or Rome can be, the locations still feel fresh.
If you're a couple planning a trip to Sweden and considering adding a portrait session; whether in the botanical gardens, along the waterfront, or somewhere more unexpected, I shoot internationally and would love to document it with you. Get in touch and we'll make it work.
Let's Shoot Somewhere
I'm Phoebe, a destination and travel photographer based in Malta. I shoot couples, portraits and travel content across Europe, and I'm always looking for the next place worth pointing a camera at.
If you're planning a trip to Sweden, Scandinavia, or anywhere else in Europe and you'd like a photographer who travels with intention and shoots with a natural, cinematic style; let's talk.
📩 info@photographoebe.com 🌐 www.photographoebe.com
Based in Malta. Shooting everywhere.
Spring in Malta: The Ultimate Guide for Couples & Girls Trips
If you've been thinking about visiting Malta, spring is your answer. Mid-March through to mid-June is when the island is at its most beautiful and honestly, its most liveable. The countryside is green, the wildflowers are out, the beaches haven't yet filled up, and the weather sits at that perfect point where you can be outside all day without overheating.
As someone who has lived here my whole life and spent years photographing it, spring is without question my favourite season on the island. The light is softer, the locations are quieter, and everything just looks better. Whether you're coming with your partner, your friends, or honestly just looking for a reason to finally book the trip; this guide is for you.
Why Spring is the Best Time to Visit Malta
Most people visit Malta in summer. And summer has its appeal: warm sea, high energy, beach clubs in full swing. But summer also means crowds, intense heat, and a version of Malta that starts to look like every other Mediterranean destination.
Spring is a different island entirely.
The countryside comes alive in a way that genuinely surprises first-time visitors. Rolling green hills, wildflowers lining every country road, and a quietness that lets you actually experience the place. The most popular spots; Mdina, Valletta, the coastal cliffs, are all there, but without the queues and the noise. You get the best of Malta without the chaos.
The weather from mid-March to mid-June sits at that sweet spot: warm enough to enjoy everything the island has to offer, cool enough that you're not melting by 10am. For photoshoots specifically, this matters more than people realise. Nobody wants to be photographed dripping in 38 degree summer heat.
Book a Shoot While You're Here
If you're visiting Malta this spring; whether as a couple, a group of friends, or solo, I'd love to document it with you. I know the island inside out and I'll make sure you leave with images that actually capture why you came.
Spring Events Worth Planning Around
Easter in Malta Easter in Malta is unlike anywhere else in Europe. The island takes it seriously; candlelit processions through ancient streets, villages lit up at night, a genuine sense of occasion that you feel the moment you arrive. It's visually extraordinary and worth experiencing even if you're not religious. If your trip overlaps with Easter, build around it.
Malta International Fireworks Festival Every late April, the Grand Harbour in Valletta becomes the backdrop for one of the most spectacular fireworks displays you'll find anywhere. There's also a night on Gozo, in Nadur. Book your spot early, the harbour fills up fast and for good reason.
Festa Frawli, aka The Strawberry Festival Held in Mġarr every spring, Festa Frawli is one of Malta's most charming local events. Strawberry food stalls, live music, a completely relaxed village atmosphere. It's the kind of thing locals love and most tourists never hear about, which makes it worth knowing about. It also photographs beautifully if you want to document your trip.
Earth Garden Festival One of Malta's best outdoor music festivals, held in spring. If your girls trip overlaps with Earth Garden, make it a centrepiece of the trip. Good music, great outfits, the kind of energy that makes for genuinely fun photos.
Open Air Markets Spring is market season. Marsaxlokk on a Sunday morning is the classic, fresh fish, colourful boats bobbing in the harbour, local produce and the kind of easy, unhurried Sunday morning that's hard to find in most cities. Keep an eye out for smaller artisan markets that pop up across Valletta and various village squares throughout spring too. And if thrifting is your thing, keep an eye out for Popp Day Out, one of Malta's best outdoor thrift markets, a great morning out and genuinely good for an outfit or two before a shoot.
A Few Fun Facts About Malta Before You Go
Malta is a small island, only 316 square kilometres, but it punches well above its size historically. Here are a few things worth knowing:
Malta is home to some of the oldest free-standing structures on Earth; older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt. The megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra and Ġgantija date back to between 3600 and 2500 BC and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni is an underground Neolithic burial site carved entirely into limestone, one of the most extraordinary prehistoric sites in the world. Tickets sell out weeks in advance so book early.
The island has been ruled by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Knights of St John, French and British, all of which left their mark on the architecture, culture and food.
Maltese is the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet and the only Semitic language that is an official EU language.
The Couples Guide to Malta in Spring
Spring is the best time of year for a couples photoshoot in Malta. The locations are quieter, the countryside is at its most beautiful, and the evenings are warm enough to shoot well past golden hour. Whether you're after something intimate and candid or something a little more editorial, Malta in spring gives you options that are hard to find anywhere else in the Mediterranean.
Riviera Bay My favourite location on the island. In spring the cliffs are surrounded by wildflowers and the beach hasn't yet filled up. There's a short trail to walk down together before you reach the bay; and the walk itself is part of the experience. A couples shoot here at golden hour is one of the most beautiful things I've had the privilege of photographing.
Fomm ir-Rih One of Malta's most remote and dramatic bays. Rugged, raw, and genuinely hard to get to; which means you'll almost certainly have it to yourselves. For couples who want something that feels completely off the beaten track, this is it. The kind of location that produces portraits you'd actually frame.
Migra l-Ferħa A hidden coastal gem that most visitors never find. Dramatic cliffs, crystal water and a quietness that's hard to come by. Worth the effort to get there, and worth documenting when you do.
Dingli Cliffs Some of the most dramatic views on the island; the highest point in Malta, looking out over the open sea. Breathtaking at any time of day and completely open, which makes for incredible wide shots. If you're looking for dramatic couples portraits with a view that genuinely stops people, this is it.
Buskett Gardens The most un-Malta part of Malta. Lush, overgrown and a little otherworldly; the Alice in Wonderland of the island. A completely different mood from the coast and a couples shoot location most people never think to book.
Palazzo Parisio Gardens Secret garden energy at its absolute peak in spring when the flowers are in full bloom. Romantic, intimate and unlike anything else on the island. You can also pair the session with brunch there, which makes for a beautiful morning; and a whole set of images that document the day properly rather than just the shoot.
A Luzzu Ride The luzzu is the traditional Maltese fishing boat; colourful, low, and completely iconic. You can book a private ride and I can photograph you on the water with the harbour or coastline behind you. It's a uniquely Maltese couples shoot experience and one that produces images unlike anything you'd get anywhere else.
Gozo Malta's sister island is a destination in its own right; quieter, greener, with a slower pace of life that feels a world away from the mainland. The Azure Window may be gone, but Gozo still has the Citadella, the salt pans at Xwejni, and some of the most stunning coastline in the Mediterranean. An overnight stay in spring combined with a couples photoshoot is one of my top recommendations for any couple visiting.
For the Adventurous Couples Malta has some excellent hiking routes; the coastal path from Dingli to Fomm ir-Rih is one of the most beautiful and least-walked on the island, and makes for a genuinely unique shoot location. The island is also one of the top scuba diving destinations in the Mediterranean, with clear water, wrecks and sea caves to explore. If adventure is your thing, I'll photograph it, before, during or after.
Malta Girls Trip: What to Do, Where to Go, What to Photograph
Malta is one of the best destinations in Europe for a girls trip, and spring is the sweet spot. Here's how I'd spend it:
Book a Boat Tour A boat trip around the island or to the Blue Lagoon in Comino is non-negotiable. In spring, before the summer rush, you'll actually be able to enjoy it. Imagine spending the day on the water, pulling up to the most beautiful hidden beaches, watching the sun go down on the way back, wearing an outfit you actually planned and coming home with photos that look like a magazine shoot rather than a tourist snap. Some of the party boats come with a huge slide and a bar on board. A private boat rental takes it to another level entirely. It's the kind of day you'll want documented properly.
A Girls Trip Photoshoot - But the Fun Kind Forget stiff group shots in front of a landmark. A girls trip photoshoot with me looks like this: getting ready together in a hotel room or villa, candid moments at a beach bar, showing off outfits at sunset on a clifftop, silly photos that actually capture the energy of the trip, and portraits that make everyone look and feel genuinely good. If you're staying near the coast, the combination of a beach bar, the sea and the late afternoon light is hard to beat. The goal is always to document the whole trip, not just the posed part.
Marsaxlokk Sunday Market One of the best mornings you can have in Malta. Colourful fishing village, fresh local food, boats in the harbour. Go early, have a coffee, walk around. The whole thing makes for a brilliant photoshoot backdrop too.
Popp Day Out and Thrift Markets Malta has a growing thrift and vintage market scene; Popp Day Out is one of the best, a fun outdoor event where you can find a great outfit for a fraction of the price. Perfect pre-shoot shopping, honestly.
Zion in Marsascala A reggae bar right by the sea and one of the most genuinely Maltese spots you'll find anywhere. Relaxed, unpretentious, and the kind of place locals actually go. Worth seeking out if you want something that feels real rather than tourist-facing.
Wine Tasting at a Maltese Vineyard Malta has a growing wine scene and several vineyards offer tastings in beautiful, lush surroundings. Pair it with a photoshoot; vineyard sessions in spring, when everything is green and the flowers are out, are some of my favourites to shoot. Bring an outfit worth photographing in.
A Festa and Fireworks If your trip overlaps with a village festa, go. Each village celebrates its patron saint with fireworks, street food, brass bands and the whole community out in their best. Find a good spot for the fireworks, ideally a rooftop or a high point and you have one of the most memorable evenings Malta has to offer. And yes, bring the camera.
Earth Garden Festival One of Malta's best outdoor music festivals. Good music, great energy, the kind of atmosphere that makes for genuinely brilliant candid shots. A girls trip highlight if your dates line up.
Sirena, Sliema Malta's drag bar and genuinely one of the best nights out on the island regardless of who you are. The kind of place that makes for a great evening and even better memories.
Nightlife - What's Worth Knowing Paceville is Malta's main nightlife strip; chaotic, loud, and brilliant if that's your vibe. Big G's is the place to go if it is. For something with more atmosphere, Strada Stretta in Valletta is a narrow historic street lined with bars that has one of the most unique nightlife vibes in Malta; old building, great energy, worth at least one night. For students on a budget looking to meet young locals, there are regular university nights worth searching for on Instagram when you're planning your trip.
The Maltese Way to End Any Night Out Pastizzi. Malta's iconic flaky pastry; ricotta or mushy peas, hot from a 24 hour pastizzeria at 3am. Cheap, perfect and completely Maltese.
Historical Sites Worth Your Time
Malta's history is extraordinary and concentrated into a very small space. Here are the ones worth putting on your list:
Valletta: Europe's smallest capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Baroque architecture, hidden gardens, rooftop views of the Grand Harbour. Could spend days here.
Birgu (Vittoriosa): One of the Three Cities, older than Valletta, and far less visited. Maritime history, narrow streets and a genuinely atmospheric waterfront.
Mdina: Malta's ancient walled city. Silent, elegant and cinematic. Go in the evening once the day visitors have left.
Rabat Catacombs and the Roman Villa: Just outside Mdina, and worth pairing with a visit to the city. The catacombs are fascinating and the Roman Villa gives you a real sense of Malta's layered history. Grab a pastizzi from Serkin bakery nearby, one of the best on the island.
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra: Two megalithic temple complexes on Malta's southern coast, dating back to 3600 BC. Older than Stonehenge. The coastal setting alone makes the visit worth it.
The Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni: An underground Neolithic burial site in Paola. One of the most extraordinary prehistoric sites in the world. Book well in advance, tickets are strictly limited.
Ġgantija Temples, Gozo: The oldest of Malta's megalithic temples, on the island of Gozo. Over 5,500 years old and still standing.
Għar Dalam Cave: One of Malta's most fascinating natural and archaeological sites, this cave in Birzebbuga contains bones of animals that roamed Malta over 7,000 years ago including dwarf elephants and hippos. A genuinely surprising visit.
Għar Qawqla and the Caves of Gozo: Gozo has several sea caves and inland caves worth exploring, particularly accessible by boat. The colours of the water inside are extraordinary.
Popeye Village: Originally built as a film set for the 1980 Popeye movie, it's now a family-friendly attraction on the northwest coast. Colourful, quirky and great for photos. Worth a half day if you're in the area.
The Red Tower (St Agatha's Tower): A 17th century watchtower on the northwest coast of Malta with incredible views across to Gozo. A great stop on a road trip around the island.
Food Worth Trying While You're Here
Rabbit: Malta's national dish. Traditionally slow-cooked and served with pasta or as a stew. If you only try one proper Maltese meal, make it this one. Head to Mdina or Rabat for the most traditional versions.
Pastizzi: flaky pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Get them from Serkin in Rabat or any local pastizzeria.
Ftira: a Maltese bread ring, typically filled with tuna, capers, olives and tomatoes. The best lunch on the island.
Ġbejna: small Maltese sheep's cheese. Try it fresh or peppered.
Kinnie: Malta's own soft drink, made from bitter oranges and aromatic herbs. An acquired taste but a Maltese institution.
Fresh fish: Malta is an island, and the fish is extraordinary. Marsaxlokk on a Sunday for the market, then lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Good sushi: Malta has a surprisingly strong sushi scene given the quality of local fish. Worth seeking out if that's your thing.
Book a Shoot While You're Here
If you're visiting Malta this spring; whether as a couple, a group of friends, or solo, I'd love to document it with you. I know the island inside out and I'll make sure you leave with images that actually capture why you came.
📩 info@photographoebe.com 🌐 www.photographoebe.com
Based in Malta. Shooting everything worth remembering.