Everyone blows their budget on the big three museums but OBA Central Library's 7th floor has rotating photo exhibitions plus the best free panoramic views of Amsterdam. You can see all the way to the IJ river and NDSM wharf.

Stedelijk Museum Base (basement level) often has free contemporary art shows. The real hack is Amsterdam Museum's civic guard gallery in their courtyard — Walk through the gates on Kalverstraat and see those massive 17th-century paintings for free. No ticket required, just stroll in during opening hours.