It is 3.65 kilometers (2.27 mi) long and spans the entire length of Ermita, Malate, Paco, and Santa Ana.

It also continues towards the central Metro Manila cities of Mandaluyong and San Juan across the Pasig River as New Panaderos and General Kalentong Streets.

The street was named after Pedro Gil, a Filipino diplomat and legislator from Manila who first gained popularity in the area as a physician.

It was previously known as Herran Street, after José Rafael de la Herrán y Lacoste, a Spanish captain (and Mayor of Tondo) during the Battle of Manila Bay.

The origin of Pedro Gil Street could be traced back to an old road that connected Paco (San Fernando de Dilao) and Santa Ana, based on an 1821 map.

[4] In the 19th century, it was extended to the west towards Calle Real (now Del Pilar Street), effectively connecting such then-towns with the old national road.

Pedro Gil Street is home to several educational institutions, such as the University of the Philippines Manila, Saint Paul University Manila and Philippine Christian University in Malate, the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion de la Concordia, Paco Catholic School, Fernando Maria Guerrero Elementary School in Paco, and OB Montessori Center in Santa Ana.