Released on Netflix in October 2025, “No One Saw Us Leave” quickly hooked audiences with its intense portrayal of a 1960s family saga. Inspired by the true events detailed in Tamara Trottner’s memoir, “Nadie nos vio partir,” the series follows a desperate mother’s global pursuit of her children after her husband kidnaps them. Beyond the abduction, the show dives deep into the high-stakes cultural clash between two powerful Jewish families.
Just as the story spans continents, the production was a true global affair. For viewers wondering where filming for “No One Saw Us Leave” took place, the answer is as dramatic as the plot itself. The series bypassed soundstages for many scenes, utilizing real-life international locations to capture the scope of this decades-old chase. Here is a look at the stunning backdrops behind the series.
Where Is ‘No One Saw Us Leave’ Set?
The setting of “No One Saw Us Leave” is as sweeping as the drama itself. According to People, the plot follows Leo Saltzman (Alexander Varela), who flees to Italy, France and South Africa with his children to punish their mother, Valeria (Tessa Ía), for an affair. What begins in the Jewish-Mexican community of the 1960s quickly spirals into a desperate, cross-continental search when Leo uses family connections to vanish with the kids.
To stay true to Tamara Trottner’s memoir (which details her real-life 1968 abduction by her father) the series was filmed across four different countries. While the bulk of production took place in Mexico and South Africa, the cast and crew also traveled to Italy and France. According to Moviedelic, these European locations provided essential atmospheric backdrops, transforming the streets of Paris and the landscapes of Italy into the setting for Valeria’s heart-wrenching quest.
Explore How Mexico City Added To ‘No One Saw Us Leave’
Key Scenes: Since the drama begins in Mexico City, the production crew spent extensive time filming in and around the capital to capture its distinct energy. Key scenes, including those inside Leo and Valeria’s house, were filmed at actual on-location sites. As you watch, keep an eye out for famous outdoor landmarks, such as the Monument to the Revolution.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Mexico City is between November and April. This is when travelers can enjoy the more pleasant and sunny weather. This destination has a relatively mild climate year-round, but during this time, there is little to no rain, which makes it ideal for sightseeing.
Transportation Options: Mexico City offers a diverse range of transportation options, including budget-friendly choices. Some of the most popular ways to get around include the metro, buses and trolleybuses. For maximum convenience, using ride-share services is ideal.
Filming for “No One Saw Us Leave” took place between June and October 2024, and the choice of location was crucial. The production leaned heavily on Mexico City’s historic infrastructure to recreate the show’s setting. Instead of building sets, they utilized actual residential properties to ground the domestic family scenes in reality.
Since the story kicks off and concludes in Mexico, the capital’s “old world” charm was essential for selling the 1960s aesthetic. The result is a series that feels incredibly immersive. For viewers, it also serves as visual inspiration; those sweeping shots of the city showcase exactly why Mexico City should be on your travel bucket list.
Things to Do: Mexico City boasts a thriving local culture that visitors can immerse themselves in during a trip. Due to this, exploring the city’s architectural and historic legacy is ideal. The Museo Soumaya and Palacio de Bellas Artes are two popular landmarks that may even be featured in the series’ backdrop. These places are only 30 minutes apart and are well worth the commute.
Where to Eat: Mexico City is a culinary hub offering a diverse range of traditional and fusion cuisine to try. Foodies visiting the capital city can try a wide variety of food. There are many options available in various price ranges. Two top-notch restaurants are the Balcón del Zócalo and Hacienda de los Morales, which offer upscale and fine dining options, respectively.
Where to Stay: Accommodations in Mexico City are generally affordable, and a variety of options are available. The Hotel MX más centro is situated in the city center, making it within walking distance of several popular attractions, including the international airport. Then there is the Downtown Mexico Hotel, which is near some of the best street food and iconic buildings.
Check Out The Cape Town, South Africa Filming Locations
Key Scenes: The “No One Saw Us Leave” production team also visited Cape Town, South Africa, as reported by Moviedelic. This filming location offered diverse landscapes, which allowed it to be depicted as a variety of backdrops. As viewers may recognize, some of the story between the feuding couple, Leo and Valeria, was filmed here since she had to chase him around many different countries.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Cape Town is generally considered to be between October and April. This is when the weather is dry and warm, making it an ideal time to explore the area. For the hottest weather, the peak summer months, November and February, are best.
Transportation Options: Getting around Cape Town is pretty straightforward with a mix of public and private options. The MyCiTi bus system is a reliable and safe way to navigate key areas, operating separately from the local trains and ubiquitous minibus taxis. If you prefer a direct ride, Uber and traditional metered taxis are widely available. For those with a bigger budget, hiring a private driver is a fantastic way to tour the city stress-free.
This port city offered a rich variety of settings for the series, but one location stands out above the rest. According to Moviedelic, Muizenberg Beach was used to capture pivotal moments in Leo and Valeria’s story. While the scene itself carries the weight of the show’s emotional conflict, the location is famous for its bright colors and beauty. It was a perfect way for the director to showcase the area while advancing the plot. Today, fans of the series can head to Muizenberg to walk the same sands, soaking up the vibrant local culture and taking in the peaceful ocean views.
Things to Do: Cape Town is renowned for its striking natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. Travelers who want to visit can check out an array of attractions. Among them are the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Muizenberg Beach, which are just 20 minutes away from each other via car.
Where to Eat: There are numerous charming dining options throughout Cape Town. Two of the most popular options include Belly of the Beast and Kloof Street House, which are a short distance apart. They offer eclectic and high-end cuisine within a laid-back atmosphere.
Where to Stay: With its gorgeous views and welcoming ambiance, Cape Town offers visitors an excellent experience during their stay. The Chartfield Guesthouse is one of the top accommodations in the area. It provides a contemporary and spacious guesthouse with a romantic vibe. Then there is The Bay Hotel, a more high-end option located approximately 40 minutes away. This accommodation has incredible mountain views and is opposite a beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “No One Saw Us Leave” based on a true story?
Yes, this series is based on a true story and a memoir that recounts the abduction of two children by their father in 1968. Trottner and her brother were taken from their mother, spending three years on the run across many different countries.
Why did the husband take the kids in “No One Saw Us Leave”?
As People reports, the abduction was over a domestic issue. Trottner’s father (who is the basis for the character Leo Goldberg) had discovered that his wife had an affair during a bitter custody battle. For much of the series, he is depicted as a manipulative man who justifies using his children to get back at his soon-to-be ex. However, he takes things extremely far and initiates a chase across the world.
