I like touristy on my first day or two in a new place, and take that opportunity to do the "must-sees". After that, I'd prefer to get out and see the true city or country. The locals are different in touristy areas - same as they are here. Their lives, and their reaction to outsiders, is totally different when compared to those in more rural areas.

I've never been disappointed when visiting the touristy places - we all should see those things, but have found the unexpected and atypical areas to be far more rewarding on a personal level. Some travel to 'find themselves'...I think we don't find ourselves when we travel, but we do grow ourselves in 'finding others' - that is, seeing people who live and think differently than you do. You don't 'see others' much in the touristy areas, where there is always a McDonalds and people who speak English and the same old crap to buy and often a Wal-Mart within driving distance.