It forms the eastern border of the Ayala Triangle and is one of the three main avenues of the Makati Central Business District.

At its northern end lies the older part of Makati, starting from J.P. Rizal Avenue.

Between its southern terminus to Ayala Avenue, it passes through the Greenbelt and Glorietta complexes, then enters Salcedo Village.

[3][4] After the airport was closed down after World War II, its two runways were converted into wide roads known today as Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas.

The areas around P. Burgos Street, with its nightclubs, bars, and budget hotels, are considered by many to be Makati's red-light district.

[6][better source needed] At present, however, the area is undergoing gentrification with the completion of several new commercial developments, including the Century City mall and complex.

North of Gil Puyat are more hotels and commercial establishments, particularly near the intersection with Kalayaan Avenue.