We spent 2 weeks in Portugal. The best stop on our whole trip was a fairy-tale-like town just outside of Lisbon.

Sintra and its landmarks felt worlds away from the bustling streets of Lisbon, and this day trip was a perfect break from the city's fast pace.

Timothy Moore Sintra is a popular day-trip destination from Lisbon, Portugal, and it was easy for us to see why.

In just one day, we were able to explore a palace, an old castle, and a fairy-tale-like estate.

The town felt like a dreamy, perfect escape from the fast-paced streets of Lisbon.

On our two-week vacation to Portugal , my husband and I planned a fairy-tale day trip to the town of Sintra, less than an hour northwest of Lisbon.

Known as the first center of European Romantic architecture, Sintra is home to a stunning palace, the remnants of an ancient castle wall, and a sprawling estate designed by Italian architect and scenographer Luigi Manini.

It was one of the best places we visited in Portugal and a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon.

For starters, I was glad we took an Uber to Sintra instead of a train I was glad we took an Uber to Sintra instead of a train.

Timothy Moore We wanted to arrive at Sintra's Pena Palace before 9:30 a.m., since we'd booked the earliest access possible.

Although Lisbon has a direct train to Sintra that takes about 40 minutes and costs only a few bucks, we'd already had poor luck with trains throughout Portugal and didn't want to risk missing our timed entry.

Our Uber ride took less than an hour and was fairly affordable.

We spent 26 euros, plus a tip, to get to Pena Palace.

Even better, taxis and rideshares can drive right up to the gate alongside tour buses.

If you're driving yourself, you'll have to park farther down the hill and hike up or take a bus.