The fair is in full swing in the Latin Quarter. They are in a restaurant and the children are in the store with their parents. The friends are settled in a restaurant.
Musetta, the former girlfriend of Marcello, flirts with the rich Alcindoro to make Marcello jealous (Quando m’en vo).
When Musetta complains about her shoes, she sends Alcindoro to the shoemaker.
Musetta and Marcello fall into each other’s arms. If the bill comes from the food, the friends can not pay it.
Musetta puts everything on account of Alcindoro and the friends go off.
When Alcindoro returns and the bill is presented, he collapses on a chair.

Mimi comes coughing furiously at the city gate to talk with Marcello, who works in an inn near the gate.
She tells him about the difficult life with Rodolfo, who has left her that night.
Marcello says that Rodolfo has just arrived and is sleeping in the inn.
When Rodolfo wakes up and Marcello searches, Mimi hides.
Rodolfo first says that he has left Mimi out of jealousy, but admits later that he is afraid that she
has a serious illness and that she would be better off with a rich lover.
When Mimi has to cough again, she is discovered by Rodolfo. They put it back after a fight.

Marcello and Rodolfo are back on their floor again. Schaunard and Colline come with food.
Then Musetta and the dying Mimi come.
Musetta and Marcello will buy medicines from the proceeds of Musetta’s earrings.
Colline and Schaunard are going to pledge Collines coat. Mimi and Rodolfo remember happier times.
When Musetta returns, Mimi dies.