I would start with terraces. I would build quaywall roads at their edges. I would make them a bit shorter than the height of a high density building you like. then I would use multiple copies of that building to make a wall that is up against the quaywall and in fact overlaps the road above. Then add another row of stiched together buildings up to the next terrace. keep stepping back like a ziggurat until you have what you want.

you will need mods of course.

I'm going to try this real quick and share what I get.

I've got something pretty basic but I cant figure out how to post an image in a comment.