There exists a certain romance to the idea of a European adventure, a feeling of nostalgia for cobblestone streets, sun-drenched plazas, and the thrill of discovering a corner of the world that feels uniquely yours. Yet, that very dream can be paralyzing—where does one even begin? In a charming and practical twist, global pop icon Dua Lipa has partnered with Google Maps to transform her personal passion into a public resource, offering a curated set of travel guides called Dua’s Lists. Known humorously among fans for her seemingly perpetual holiday mode, Lipa is now channeling that well-traveled expertise into a digital project that feels both aspirational and genuinely useful. Created through her editorial platform, Service95, the initiative goes beyond simple celebrity endorsement; it’s a sharing of the intimate, accumulated knowledge she’s long swapped with friends, now made accessible to anyone with a wanderlust and a smartphone.
The experience is personalized and playful, reflecting Lipa’s own vibrant aesthetic. The collaboration introduces a bespoke Google Maps Pegman—the iconic yellow figure replaced by a miniature, sunglasses-adorned Dua Lipa, ready to guide users through her favourite cities. The twelve lists themselves are thoughtfully categorized, moving past generic landmarks to focus on specific moods and moments. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, seeking a cosy literary hideaway, or simply want to find the perfect neighbourhood for a leisurely stroll, there’s a list for that. This structure empowers travelers to build their own Lipa-inspired itinerary, saving spots directly to their maps. Her European selections span iconic capitals like Paris and London, the vibrant energy of Barcelona, and offer a particularly heartfelt deep-dive into her hometown of Prishtina, Kosovo—a city integral to her identity.
For culinary adventures, Lipa’s recommendations deftly balance high romance with humble, authentic delight. Her Date Nights to Remember list points to Parisian gems like Bistro Des Tournelles for its candlelit ambiance and classic French fare, and Milan’s Dal Bolognese Milano for what she calls the best tagliatelle al ragu she’s ever tasted. Yet, she is just as passionate about more casual, communal dining experiences. She heartily endorses Proper Pizza in Prishtina for its perfect crust and lively atmosphere, and champions Madrid’s legendary San Ginés Chocolate Shop as a 24-hour sanctuary, declaring a post-midnight visit for churros and hot chocolate one of the world’s “great food rituals.” This range showcases her understanding that travel memories are forged as much in grand gestures as in simple, shared pleasures.
Perhaps the most intimate and culturally significant of her guides is The Perfect Prishtina, a heartfelt tour of the city that shaped her. Born in London to Kosovar-Albanian parents, Lipa lived in Prishtina during her early teens and was recently granted citizenship, solidifying a profound connection. Her list acts as a loving introduction to the city’s soul. She highlights the National Gallery of Kosovo as a vital community institution that resurrected the local art scene, and directs visitors to the Old Green Market to absorb the daily rhythm and history of Kosovar life. For a taste of home, she points to Tiffany restaurant, a “homey” spot serving traditional dishes like kajmak and ajvar. This list is less about tourist attractions and more about sharing the living, breathing places that constitute her personal definition of home.
Lipa’s literary leanings shine in her bookstore recommendations, each chosen for its unique character and cultural contribution. In Edinburgh, she spotlights Rare Birds Book Shop, a space dedicated exclusively to fiction by women authors, whose very name celebrates rarity and exceptional voices. In Porto, she guides readers to the breathtaking Livraria Lello, an Art Nouveau masterpiece with its famed staircase, noting its evolution into a cultural hub with upcoming exhibitions. Meanwhile, in Marseille, she recommends Ensemble, a bookstore-gallery hybrid focused on contemporary photography and art books that reflects the eclectic, port-city energy around it. These selections reveal a desire to steer travelers toward spaces that are not merely retailers, but active participants in their city’s intellectual and artistic discourse.
Ultimately, Dua’s Lists transcends the typical celebrity travel blog. It is a thoughtfully humanized digital project that leverages technology for a deeply personal purpose: connection. By sharing her favourite bookshops, her most cherished hometown market, and the restaurant where she craves a perfect pizza, Lipa demystifies the glamorous idea of “European travel” and reframes it as a series of accessible, authentic experiences. It’s an invitation to see these cities through her eyes—not just as a global star, but as a curious individual who finds joy in a great meal, a good book, and the vibrant culture of a place. For anyone dreaming of their own European journey but unsure where to start, these lists offer a warm, informed, and wonderfully specific place to begin plotting the adventure.
