While many of us would prefer a longer vacation, sometimes we can only manage to travel on the weekends, which only shortens our time at the final destination.  Sometimes we find our selves in a new city for whatever the reason and only have a short time to explore.  Boston is a busy city and full of American history.  Twenty-four hours does not give it credit. 

First off, when booking a hotel, stay in the downtown or Cambridge area.  You will spend less time in traffic commuting and more time exploring.  Plus, you will be in walking distance of most places, allowing you to see more of the city.     

Secondly, don't rent a car.  You will probably spend more time at the rent-a-car place standing in line than necessary, and you will miss out on the city.   Taxis seem to be quite abundant at the airport and the hotels.  There is also the metro system that works very efficiently and takes you all over the city.  No need for a car! Plus, who wants to drive in big city traffic or finding a parking spot!

On your first night in Boston, I would recommend going out to dinner at nice restaurant and possibly going to show afterwards.  Boston has some amazing restaurants that are worth splurging a little on, especially if you are just there for a day.  Boston Magazine put out a list of the top fifty must eat-at-restaurants.  Take a look here, and pick a place to your fancy! https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/article/2013/10/29/where-to-eat-boston-restaurants-list/

Start the next day with visiting the campus of Harvard.  The T-line will take you directly into Harvard Square, which is only five-minute walk from the campus.  Stroll through Harvard Yard with the statue of the founder, and the original building on campus.  Then there is library that is so extensive that it is said that you can run a marathon twice and never pass the same book!  There is the science building designed to resemble a polaroid camera.  If you stand in just the right spot you can see it.

For lunch you can head back into town (on the T-line of course) and head to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.  There is a large selection of food vendors that will please every taste.  Plus there is tons of shopping in this area.  From here it is a short walk to the waterfront.  You can walk your lunch off by walking along the boardwalk and admiring the open bay.

As you continue along the waterfront, you will come across the Boston Tea Party Museum.  Since you are in Boston, why not experience some of the American History Boston is known for.  As part of the tour, you set foot onto two authentically restored ships that carried tea.  The museum also displays one of the original boxes of teas thrown over board.   

Lastly, visit the oldest house in Boston-Paul Revere's Home.  It is one of the few colonial homes still standing in Boston.  Here you can learn the story of Revere's famous Midnight Ride as well as life in the 1700s before you say good bye to Boston.