Initially, it was called Paseo de la Emperatriz or Paseo del Emperador, as its layout was commissioned by Maximilian I of Mexico. With Benito Juárez's triumph, its name was changed to Paseo Degollado, in honor of Santos Degollado. During the government of Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada, it was renamed to its current name.

Along the avenue, which stretches for almost 15 km, you can see several of the most important monuments in Mexico City, such as the Monument to Columbus, the Diana the Huntress statue, and, of course, the Angel of Independence.

It is also the location of the city's tallest skyscrapers, such as Torre Mayor and the Bancomer building.

It crosses several important areas of the city, including Colonia Juárez, Zona Rosa, Polanco, and Chapultepec Park, among others.

It is the center of many popular celebrations, concerts, and civic activities. In recent years, it has been the venue for one of the most important parades during the Day of the Dead celebration.