I don’t understand the overuse of the phrase “I don’t like touristy places”. Would you go to Egypt and not visit the Sphinx? Would you go to Rome and not see the Colosseum? Would you go to Miami and not have a cocktail on South Beach? Would you go to Peru and not marvel at the Inca’s gift of Machu Picchu. A lot of places are “touristy” because they are amazing places to experience. Don’t miss out on life following a cliché, just wake-up early and get there before the crowds arrive. =)
Getting to Know the World 
I am also not a fan of hearing that. I get it a lot with backpackers and they go on about how they are going to a place that is with the locals and I just laugh and say well your a tourist there so I imagine they feel the same way about you that you do about other tourists.
Let’s not take the statement out of context…I avoid Time Square by all means necessary, but my visit to Machu Picchu was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. You won’t catch me at an all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay (unless someone decides to have a weeding there : / ), but I can’t wait to visit the pyramids of Giza. When I say “I don’t like touristy places”, it’s not a blanket statement…and I think what people are really trying to communicate is that when they travel they want to get a sense of the local culture, way of life, and traditions rather than be stuck with the masses of foreign tourists (hence your statement about getting to some spots early is spot-on : ) Either way, every trip we take makes this world a little bit smaller, so let’s keep bringing people together and focus on the unity of mankind even if you find yourself in a situation or destination that isn’t exactly your “cup of tea”, because regardless of where you are or who you’re with it’s all about what you make of the experience….
just sayin’ : )
I completely agree with you. That’s why I said I don’t understand the overuse of the phrase “I don’t like touristy places”. It’s often comes off as a generalization and an “I’m to good for this” statement to prove what type of traveler someone is” also think there are people who have never been to Times Square and won’t go because of it being a “touristy” place. Times Square is part of the New York experience and feeling its energy. As a semi local i loved walking the streets of New York in the summer at night and finding my way through Times Square. Trust me there are locals there too.
Yeah, maybe the idea of touristy places becoming unpleasant is just about the fact they do tend to get crowded with… tourists, making them crowded.