Temporary closures of three city centre streets to traffic will start next week.
King Street, Clare Street and Corn Street will be pedestrianised from Friday, July 3.
The Bristol Street Space programme is intended to offer more space for social distancing and support businesses as they reopen from coronavirus lockdown.
The streets will be open for vehicle access only between 5.30am to 10.30am, for deliveries to local businesses.
Bristol City Council says there is not yet a set period for the traffic orders, which could become permanent.
Last month, the council announced major roads in the city centre would be shut to traffic in a “far-reaching” plan to encourage walking and cycling after lockdown is lifted.
Bristol Bridge and Baldwin Street will be closed to general vehicles and a bus priority route introduced over the bridge.
Councillor Kye Dudd, cabinet member for transport, explained the thinking behind the Old City changes coming in next week.
He said: “It has been a long-standing ambition to make this historic part of the city centre more pedestrian-friendly, and something we have been building towards.
“I would like to thank the local businesses and Bristol’s communities for their continued engagement to help develop these plans and bring them forward during this difficult time.
"We firmly believe these changes will offer significant long-term benefits for the people and businesses in the area, and appreciate everyone’s co-operation while these measures are put in place.
"This initial phase of road closures will use a temporary traffic regulation order in first instance, with the view to make permanent changes as part of the wider Old City pedestrianisation project.”
The council says it is working with businesses to ensure access for disabled people is available at all times, with the installation of more disabled bays.
The scheme has won praise from Small Bar owner Bruce Gray, who believes King Street's pedestrianisation could be the difference between bars operating at a loss and breaking even when they reopen on July 4.
We have asked the council how vehicles will be redirected.
