In my opinion, fighting in the actual streets and houses of Leningrad, which a lot of you guys propose, was not necessary to take Leningrad.

The urban fighting would have been very heavy, as the Soviet citizens were turning their city into a strong fortress with each passing day. Still, even if it is struck early enough, it still is a waste of precious German lives that could be used elsewhere.

In my opinion, a smarter move to take Leningrad would have involved, not a push further north, but a push north east to Volkhov and Tikhvin.

Without those two important cities, Soviet supply to Leningrad halts.

With the knowledge that the Germans are bent on taking Leningrad, the Finns might even push downward onto Leningrad. Then, the Germans can hit Moscow with 2 full army groups.

However, I personally believe just taking Moscow would have been the better option.