Overview
Lewiston-Auburn is a city in Androscoggin County, in the central Maine region of Maine. The Androscoggin River divides the city into two separate municipalities: the east bank is Lewiston, with a population of about 39,000 (2016), and the west bank is Auburn, with about 23,000 people (2016). They are known locally as the "Twin Cities" or "L–A".
3 sights · 5 things to do · 11 places to eat · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Lewiston–Auburn
Bates College
Museum of Arts and Olin Arts center may provide some diversions.
Museum L-A
Great Falls Balloon Festival
Annual hot air balloon festival; one of the largest tourist draws to the area. Normally the 3rd weekend in August.
Androscoggin Bank Colisée
A multi-purpose sports Colosseum.
Androscoggin Historical Society & Museum
Lost Valley
Ski resort.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jul–Aug. Summer highs reach about 55°F; winter lows dip to about -3°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Jul. (climate data from nearby Mount Washington State Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- AUG Augusta State Airport, Augusta — 26 mi away. Directions
- PWM Portland International Jetport, Portland — 31 mi away (major hub). Directions
Shuttle companies serve Lewiston:
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Androscoggin Historical Society & Museum, Museum L-A
- Lunch The Munroe Inn
- Afternoon Lost Valley, Switzerland Road
- Dinner Fish Bones
Day 2
- Morning Bates College, Androscoggin Bank Colisée
- Lunch Governor's Restaurant & Bakery
- Afternoon Great Falls Balloon Festival, Franco Center
- Dinner Mother India
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
- I-95: Maine Turnpike (Interstate 95), Exits 75-80.
By bus
By plane
Place Portland International Jetport
Shuttle companies serve Lewiston:
Place Maine Limousine Service
Get around
See
See Androscoggin Historical Society & Museum
Do
Do Switzerland Road
It's one of the more hidden pleasures of living in Lewiston. Switzerland Road is between the local fire station and a local furniture store and across from Harley Davidson's. Walking down this road is a quiet delight. Switzerland is a dead end road, approximately one mile in length. It parallels the Androscoggin River, offering waterfront access (but no swimming) after the initial 100 yards of residences. About halfway down the road is St Peter's Cemetery, which is a local landmark. You can see the cultural heritage of Lewiston in the Quebecois names and Catholic practices in this quiet, beautifully maintained place of rest. Switzerland Road ends in a power plant that uses the water power from the river to provide electricity to Lewiston locals, and while the power plant is not public, it is easily accessible if you call in advance for a tour. The tour is very worthwhile, because they show how water is transformed into electricity.
Buy
Shop Auburn Mall
Eat
Lewiston
Eat Governor's Restaurant & Bakery
Family place. Oh my, try the pie.
Eat Golden City Chinese food
Chinese food to eat in or take out. Very authentic
Eat Davinci's Eatery
In the old Bates Mill, great lasagna and bread, did that part of the mill over very nicely. Brick oven. North Italian cuisine.
Auburn
Eat The Munroe Inn
Fine dining in a bed and breakfast setting.
Eat Margaritas Mexican Restaurant & Watering Hole
Great Mexican food; dinner until 10PM on weeknights, 11PM on weekends, lounge open until 1AM. Now opening for lunch at 11:30AM Friday through Sunday.
Drink
Eat Gritty McDuff's
A Maine brew pub overlooking the Androscoggin River. Great food, micro brews, atmosphere and live entertainment.
Sleep
Nearby
Poland
City / town · 6 listings · 8 mi away
Lisbon
City / town · 1 listings · 9 mi away
New Gloucester
City / town · 1 listings · 10 mi away
Monmouth
City / town · 1 listings · 14 mi away
Gray
City / town · 15 mi away
Paris
City / town · 3 listings · 17 mi away
Norway
City / town · 5 listings · 17 mi away
Brunswick
City / town · 59 listings · 19 mi away
My experience
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