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Rathaus
For sheer grandness, the neogothic Rathaus (City Hall)steals the Ringstrasse show. Completed in 1883 by Friedrich von Schmidt, it was modelled on Flemish city halls. Its main spire soars to 102m if you include the pennant held by the knight at the top. You're free to wander through the seven inner courtyards but must join a guided tour to see the interior, with its red carpets, gigantic mirrors, and frescoes.
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Roman Ruins
Hiding under a nondescript Asian restaurant on Hoher Markt is a small expanse of Roman ruins dating from the 1st to the 5th century. The ruins are thought to be part of the officers' quarters of the Roman legion camp at Vindobona and consist of crumbled walls and tiled floors. There's a small exhibit on artefacts found during the excavations. The ruins are part of the municipal museum group of Vienna.
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Schottenkirche
Freyung isn't particularly Scottish these days, but it was when Benedictine monks founded Schottenkirche (Church of the Scots) in the 1300s (though the monks were likely from Ireland, then known as Scotia Maior); the present façade dates from the 19th century. The interior has a heavily frescoed ceiling and terracotta-red touches. Outside of services the main nave is locked to visitors but it's possible to peek through the gates.
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Stadtbahn Pavillons
Built in 1898 during the creation of Vienna's first public transport system (1893 to 1902), of which Wagner was the overall designer, the pavilions are gorgeous examples of Jugendstil , with floral motifs and gold trim on a structure of steel and marble. The west pavilion holds an exhibit on Wagner's most famous creations, the Kirche am Steinhof and Postsparkasse, while the eastern pavilion is home to Club U. The pavilion is a municipal museum.
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Stadttempel
By the end of WWII Stadttempel was the only synagogue spared from destruction by the Nazis. Since then it has been the main place of worship for Vienna's ever-expanding Jewish community. Built in 1824 by Josef Kornhäusel, the bland façade gives no hint of the exquisite Biedermeier interior. Entrance is by hour-long guided tour only; bring your passport as proof of identification.
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Stephansdom
The most beloved and recognisable structure in Vienna is the Gothic masterpiece Stephansdom (St Stephen's Cathedral), or Steffl (little Stephen), as it's known locally. It is the geographical and emotional heart of the city and an unmissable sight.
